Kearney, Neb. – The fourth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team beat sixth-ranked Mercyhurst (Pa.), 31-15, and fell to eighth-ranked McKendree (Ill.), 24-14, Friday at the National Duals in Fort Wayne, Ind.
 
The Lopers (7-4) went 3-2 in the tournament to place sixth overall. Defending national champion and current No. 1 St. Cloud State went 4-0 to take home the title.
 
Against the MU Lakers from Erie, Pa., UNK won the last four matches to pull way. The victories included first period falls from junior Calvin Ochs (174 lbs.) and redshirt freshman Trey Schlender (197 lbs.). Earlier, top-ranked Destin McCauley (157 lbs.) had a fall in just 28 seconds.
 
In the fifth place match, things were looking up against the MU Panthers from Lebanon, Ill. At 125 pounds, true freshman Vlad Kazakov (125 lbs.) recorded a 13-2 major decision and junior Bryce Shoemaker (133 lbs.) followed with a 4-0 decision over ninth-ranked NaQuan Hardy.
 
Shoemaker (Baldwin City, Kan.), ranked second nationally, was the only Loper to go 5-0 in Fort Wayne, pushing his season mark to 15-3 and his win streak to 11 straight.
 
McKendree started its comeback with a fall in the closing seconds of the first period at 149 pounds and then took four of the last five weight classes. The wins included a 7-5 decision in overtime at 165 pounds and a second period fall at heavyweight.
 
UNK will send some individuals to the Hastings College Cusatis Open tomorrow. Next week, the Lopers face MIAA rival Lindenwood on Thursday night at Kearney High before hosting the Midwest Duals Friday and Saturday. Among the four teams Kearney will dual on Saturday (Jan. 14th) is 12th-ranked California Baptist.