Kearney, Neb. – The 9th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team beat 12th ranked Western State 27-12, Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.

Nebraska-Kearney improves to 12-6 (3-0 RMAC) while the Mountaineers fall to 6-5 (3-3 RMAC). Western did wrestle minus Charlie Pipher (184 lbs.) and Charlie Alexander (285 lbs.), each of whom is ranked 2nd nationally.

Sophomore T.J Hepburn (East Hampton, CT) – currently ranked No. 4 in Division II at 149 lbs. -- racked up nine of his 17 points on three near falls and four points from two take downs of Caleb Lockyer to record a tech fall at the 4:53 mark (17-0)

Not to be outdone, senior Taylor May (Imperial) scored eight of his 18 points on takedowns and scored eight more points off of three near falls in beating Cody Frankum via tech fall at 5:48 mark (18-2).

At 197 lbs. Justin McKain (Sutherland) narrowly lost to the 3rd-ranked Donovan McMahill, 3-1.

McKain got an escape with 50 seconds left in the 2nd period to lead 1-0. McMahill got his own escape in the 3rd period with 1:58 left to tie things up. McMahill then added a point on a McKain stalling call with 1:08 left in the match and then added a bonus point for having 1:04 of riding time.

Up Next
Nebraska-Kearney wrestles at CSU-Pueblo Wednesday afternoon and at Adams State Wednesday night. The Lopers then dual at New Mexico Highlands on Thursday.