DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team dropped four of its first five bouts as it suffered a 22-14 setback at Central Michigan on Sunday.
 
Central Michigan (2-2, 1-1) opened up a 16-3 lead over the Huskies (2-1, 1-1) posting a tech fall to open the match and a pair of major decision. Bryce West earned a 9-6 win at 133 to put NIU on the board through the first five matches.
 
The Huskies made a charge starting at 165. Izzak Olejnik posted a 12-1 victory at 165, while Mason Kauffman held off Jake Lowell, 3-2, at 174 to pull NIU to within six, with three bouts remaining.
 
Brit Wilson's 9-1 major decision at 184 cut the Huskie deficit to two, 16-14. However, that would be as close as the Huskies would get. The Chippewas took control of the match with a 7-3 win at 197 and a 6-2 decision at 285.
 
"It was a hard-fought dual meet," said NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig. Bonus points make a difference. Olejnik and Wilson worked very hard to secure bonus-point victories. That's the competitive spirit we are looking for. West and Kauffman put together some hard-fought wins over quality opponents as well. We will continue to sharpen as we head into next week."
 
NIU returns to action Saturday, Jan. 23 when the Huskies travel to Columbia, Mo. to face Missouri and Ohio in the Mizzou Tri-Dual.
 
Central Michigan 22, Northern Illinois 14
125: Drew Hildebrandt (CMU) tech. fall Lucian Brink (NIU), 7:00, 17-2
133: Bryce West (NIU) dec. Drew Marten (CMU), 9-6,
141: Dresden Simon (CMU) maj. dec. Caleb Brooks (NIU), 10-1
149: Corbyn Munson (CMU) dec. Javion Jones (NIU), 3-1
157: Johnny Lovett (CMU) maj. dec. Anthony Gibson (NIU), 13-5
165: Izzak Olejnik (NIU) maj. dec. Bret Fedewa (NIU), 12-1
174: Mason Kauffman (NIU) dec. Jake Lowell (NIU), 3-2
184: Brit Wilson (NIU) maj. dec. Ben Cushman (CMU), 9-1
197: Landon Pelham (CMU) dec. Gage Braun (NIU), 7-3 (19-14)
285: Matt Stencel (CMU) dec. Max Ihry (NIU), 6-2 (22-14)
 
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