Kearney, Neb. – The fourth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney team won six matches, including two by major decision and another by fall, to beat 18th-ranked Western State, 23-13, Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers (9-3, 5-0 RMAC) remain unbeaten in league duals while a very young Mountaineers team falls to 8-6 (4-5 RMAC). To see the box score and play by play, click HERE.

Western won the first two matches of the night but UNK's “Big Four” then took over, taking the next four matches to open up a 17-6 Loper lead.

At 141 lbs., top-ranked Dalton Jensen (Missouri Valley, Ia.), after having seven takedowns, recorded a fall at 6:31 to start the win streak. Next, third-ranked Raufeon Stots (Houston, Texas) had five takedowns in the first period en route to a 15-6 major decision while second-ranked T.J. Hepburn (East Hampton, Conn.) had three takedowns in the first and third periods to major his opponent, 18-7, at 157 lbs.

Finally, second-ranked Joey Wilson (Half Moon Bay, Calif.) used three takedowns to win by a 7-4 score at 165 lbs.

The dual win, however, wasn't in the bag until senior Ross Brunkhardt (Merino, Colo.) went well into overtime at 184 lbs. Coming off back-to-back 3-1 victories over nationally-ranked individuals, Brunkhardt rode out freshman Kyle Piatt (20-9) for 30 seconds to cap an 11 minute battle, 3-2.

UNK wrestles Fort Hays State and Grand Canyon Wednesday in Kansas. The Lopers are still trying to reschedule a home dual with Chadron State for sometime this week.