Kearney, Neb. – The now 5th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team won several close matches to rally past Central Oklahoma, 21-15, Thursday night at Kearney High.
 
This was UNK's (7-2, 1-0) first MIAA dual of the year with Bronchos now 4-3 (1-1).
 
Down 12-3 after the first four matches, the Kearney comeback started at 157 lbs. when Lincoln senior Chase White recorded an overtime takedown to edge Jeromy Davenport, 3-1.
 
Next, Oklahoma senior Devin Aguirre used a takedown and escape in the second period to edge Danny Carrillo, 3-2, with Kansas junior Calvin Ochs racking up five points in the final period to win 12-5 at 174 lbs.
 
UCO turned the tables and won a close match at 184 lbs. but top-ranked Romero Cotton (Hutchinson, Kans.) gave UNK the lead for good with a first period fall. Finally, California redshirt freshman heavyweight Luke Petersen secured the win by beating Evan McGee, 4-2. Petersen scored in each period, including a takedown in the first.
 
On Saturday, UNK faces New Mexico Highlands, 16th-ranked Western State and 20th-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.