Kearney, Neb. - The fourth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team returned to the mats after a two-week break to dominate No. 20 Colorado Mesa, 31-6, Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

UNK improves to 8-3 (4-0 RMAC) while the Mavericks fall to 8-11 (3-5 RMAC). Click HERE for the box score/play by play

At home for the first time since early December, the Lopers racked up 23 takedowns and began the onslaught with falls in two exhibition matches.

To close the night out, redshirt freshman Kevin Barrett (Boys Town H.S.) moved to 22-4 by having four takedowns, and two near falls, 17-1 tech fall of Paco Retana.

Among UNK's "Big Four", senior Dalton Jensen  (Missouri Valley, Ia.), ranked No. 1 at 141 lbs., saw his first mat time since January 11th. Improving to 20-3, he recorded three takedowns to beat eighth-ranked James Martinez, 10-4. 

Also in this group, second-ranked T.J. Hepburn (East Hampton, Conn.) ran his win streak to 15 in a row with a 4-1 decision over Jon Gappmaier, who came in with a 26-6 record.

Finally, senior Ross Brunkhardt (Merino, Colo.) managed to takedown eighth-ranked Nick Petersen right before the third period buzzer sounded for a 3-1 win.

UNK hosts 18th-ranked Western State tomorrow night. The Mountaineers were at Fort Hays State on Friday.