KENT, Ohio – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team opened its two-match weekend road trip with a 22-13 victory over league foe Kent State.

"The guys came out firing and looking to score," said NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig. "There were nice things to build off and plenty to learn from. We need to get some rest and get back after it tomorrow."

NIU (7-9, 2-4) won seven of the 10 bouts, including the first six. Alijah Jeffery (Marion, Iowa/Linn Mar) opened the match with a 5-1 victory over Tim Rooney at 133. Following a 3-1 decision by Drew West (Solon, Iowa/Solon) at 141, McCoy Kent (Modesto, Calif./Enochs) posted an 11-2 maj. dec. victory over Kody Komara at 149.

Mason Kauffman (Stratford, Wis./Stratford) posted a 10-4 victory at 157, while Kenny Moore (San Diego, Calif./Hoover) earned a 3-1 win over Isaac Bast at 165. Brit Wilson (Mexico, Mo./Mexico) won his fourth-straight bout with a 9-4 win at 174.

After Kent State won the next three matches, Bryce West (Solon, Iowa/Solon) held on to a 4-3 win over Jake Ferri at 125 to complete the Huskie victory.

The Huskies return to the mat Saturday, Feb. 16 when NIU takes on Cleveland State. The match starts at 1 p.m. CT.

Northern Illinois 22, Kent State 13

133: Alijah Jeffery (NIU) dec. Tim Rooney (KSU), 5-1

141: Drew West (NIU) dec. Cory Simpson (KSU), 3-1

149: McCoy Kent (NIU) maj. dec. Kody Komara (KSU), 11-2

157: Mason Kauffman (NIU) dec. Richard Jackson (KSU), 10-4

165: Kenny Moore (NIU) dec. Isaac Bast (KSU), 3-1

174: Brit Wilson (NIU) dec. Kade Byland (KSU), 9-4

184: Andrew McNally (KSU) maj. dec. Will Feldkamp (NIU), 13-3

197: Shane Mast (KSU) dec. Max Ihry (NIU), 7-3 TB1

285: Spencer Berthold (KSU) pin Caleb Gossett (NIU) 0:55

125: Bryce West (NIU) dec. Jake Ferri (KSU), 4-3 

-NIU-