Wrestling | January 30

LOCK HAVEN, PA—Dropping the first conference dual, the Northern Illinois University Huskies (7-6, 3-1 MAC) fell to the Bald Eagles of Lock Haven University (9-3, 2-0 MAC) this afternoon. The Huskies won three bouts as the Eagles handed NIU a 28-8 loss.
 
"We have to get back to some baseline execution in critical situation. (We are) looking forward to our next competition," said Ryan Ludwig, NIU's head coach.
 
Blake West (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) inched one win close to the NIU school record for career wins as he battled Curtis Nelson at 125. West, who is ranked No. 31 and 21 by Intermat and WrestleStat, pulled out a 2-0 decision victory, his fourth shutout win this season.
 
In the only ranked match-up this afternoon, No. 28/15 Markel Baker (Freeport, Ill./Freeport) took on UR/No. 31 Gable Strickland at 133 pounds. Baker and Strickland kept it close early before a late takedown by Baker secured the 5-1 decision victory. With his win, Baker extends his win streak to nine.
 
In the heavyweight bout, No. 20/24 Devon Dawson (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Goddard) battled against Kade Sottolano. Dawson got a takedown early en route to a 4-2 decision, his seventh straight win.
 
At 157 pounds, Landen Johnson (Owatonna, Minn./Owatonna) tried to stage a comeback late as he fell in a 6-5 decision to Nick Stampoulos.
 
The Huskies continue action on the road as they travel to Buffalo for a MAC dual on February 6. Action is set to start at 5 p.m. CT in Buffalo, New York.
 
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