CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four Huskie grapplers posted wins over ranked foes as the Northern Illinois University wrestling team suffered a 22-15 setback to in-state foe Illinois at Huff Hall Friday night.
 
NIU (4-3, 1-1) split five of the 10 matches on the day, However, Illinois' (3-1) fast start to the day propelled the Illini to the victory. Illinois opened up a 15-0 advantage over the shorthanded Huskies, winning the first three bouts. After suffering a 5-2 loss at 125, NIU had to forfeit the match at 133 and Nathan Swartz, who is in for Caleb Brooks, suffered a fall in the first period at 141.
 
The Huskies got back into the match winning the next three bouts. McCoy Kent scored a 7-1 decision at 149, while Mason Kauffman earned a 3-2 victory over No. 20 Eric Barone. Redshirt freshman Izzak Olejnik made the score 15-9 Illinois after posting a 7-5 victory over No. 27 Dan Braunagel.
 
Illinois regained control of the match after posting wins in the next two matches, including an 18-7 major decision over Caden McWhirter at 184. The Huskie senior was wrestling up a weight class for Brit Wilson who was unable to participate due to injury.
 
Redshirt freshman Gage Braun improved to 8-5 on the year after scoring a 9-5 win over No. 32 Matt Wroblewski at 197. Max Ihry was impressive at 285 as he earned a 7-4 victory over Luke Luffman, who is ranked No. 24.
 
"We are proud of the development and fight in these guys," NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig said. "They are reaping rewards of their very hard work. We were able to attain victories over four nationally ranked opponents."
 
The Huskies return to the mat Wednesday, Dec. 18 when NIU welcomes Kent State to Victor E. Court. The match begins at 7 p.m.
 
Illinois 22, NIU 15
125: No. 24 Justin Cardani (UofI) dec. Bryce West (NIU), 5-2
133: No. 9 Travis Piotrowski (UofI) dec. (NIU), Forfeit
141: Dylan Duncan (UofI) fall Nathan Swartz (NIU), 2:20
149: McCoy Kent (NIU) dec. Mousa Jodeh (UofI), 7-1
157: Mason Kauffman (NIU) dec. No. 20 Eric Barone (UofI), 3-2
165: Izzak Olejnik (NIU) dec. No. 27 Dan Braunagel (UofI), 7-5
174: No. 19 Joey Gunther (UofI) dec. Kenny Moore (NIU), 2-0
184: No.19 Zach Braunagel (UofI) maj. dec. Caden McWhirter (NIU), 18-7
197: Gage Braun (NIU) dec. No. 32 Matt Wroblewski (UofI), 9-5
285: Max Ihry (NIU) dec. No. 24 Luke Luffman (UofI), 7-4
 
* - Rankings from Trackwrestling.com
 
-NIU-