Kearney, Neb. – The fourth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team used two quick falls and another win from second-ranked Bryce Shoemaker to easily defeat No. 23 Lindenwood, 27-9, Thursday night at Kearney High School.
 
This was the Lopers (8-4, 1-0) first of five MIAA duals this winter.
 
Named Co-MIAA Wrestler of the Week on Monday, Shoemaker (Baldwin City, Kan.) looked to run his win streak to 12 in a row tonight. Ranked second nationally at 133 pounds, he squared off against fifth-ranked Hunter Haralson. Thanks to a third period takedown, Shoemaker (16-3) came out on top by a single point, 3-2.
 
At 184 pounds, 11th-ranked sophomore Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.) was in a battle with sophomore David Hamill. Stodden used a third period takedown and another in overtime to win, 11-9 (sudden victory one).
 
Things were a little bit easier for top-ranked Destin McCauley (157 lbs.) and sophomore Jeff Bizzle (141 lbs.). They each recorded falls in less than a minute, McCauley's coming in 29 seconds and Bizzzle's in just 37 ticks.
 
Finally, two-time All-American Keith Surber (O'Fallon, Ill.) made his season debut at his new weight of 149 pounds. Currently ranked ninth nationally at 141 pounds, he used three third period escapes and two early takedowns to win 7-2.
 
UNK has three duals (No. 12 Cal Baptist, Colorado Mesa and New Mexico Highlands) on Saturday as part of the two-day Midwest Duals. A scheduled dual vs. Drury to start the day has been canceled as the first-year Panthers aren't making the trip due to expected inclement weather.