Lawrenceville, N.J. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team rallied, but suffered a 20-14 setback at Rider University in the Mid-American Conference opener at Alumni Gymnasium on Saturday.
 
"The guys wrestled really hard," NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig said. "We just need to continue to work on our execution in scoring position. Looking forward to our next opportunity."
 
The Huskies (0-1, 0-1) fell behind 14-0 through the first four bouts of the night, but came back to tie the match in the ensuing four matches. Anthony Gibson began the rally with a 7-6 decision over Jake Silverstein at 157.
 
Izzak Olejnik cut the deficit in half his 11-4 maj. dec.  over Joe Casey at 165. Mason Kauffman made the score 14-10 when he outlasted Shane Resitmas, 5-4 at 174.
 
All-American Brit Wilson, knowing NIU needed bonus points, scored a 12-4 maj. dec. win over George Walton to tie the match at 14-14. After leading 3-2 after the first period, Wilson tacked on three more points to take a 6-2 lead and 1:38 of riding time into the final period. The Huskie veteran added five more points in the third period before the riding time point was added.
 
Unfortunately, that would be as close as NIU would get. Tristin Guaman battled at 197, but was edged out, 5-4, to give Rider a 17-14 advantage. Terrese Aaron fell behind early in his bout, but fought back against David Szuba at 285. However, the Huskie heavyweight suffered a 7-6 defeat.
 
The Huskies return action Sunday, Nov. 21 when NIU travels to West Lafayette, Ind. to compete in the Boilermaker Duals. NIU will face Duke, Brown and host Purdue starting at 10 am CT.
 
Rider 20, NIU 14
125: Tyler Kinski (Rider) maj. dec. Drew West (NIU), 15-4
133: Richie Koehler (Rider) dec. Bryce West (NIU), 5-1
141: Quinn Kinner (Rider) maj. dec. Jaivon Jones (NIU), 11-1
149: Cole McComas (Rider) dec. Anthony Cheloni (NIU), 8-6
157: Anthony Gibson (NIU) dec. Jake Silverstein (Rider), 7-6
165: Izzak Olejnik (NIU) maj. dec. Joe Casey (Rider), 11-4
174: Mason Kauffman (NIU) dec. Shane Resitmas (Rider), 5-4
184: Brit Wilson (NIU) maj. dec. George Walton (Rider), 12-4
197: Matt Correnti (Rider) dec. Tristin Guaman (NIU), 5-4
285: David Szuba (Rider) dec. Terrese Aaron (NIU), 7-6
 
-NIU-