Kearney, Neb. – The 23rd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team won 34 of 40 matches at the Augustana Duals and had four placers at the Doane Open Saturday in South Dakota and Crete.

In Sioux Falls, the Lopers moved to 6-0 in duals by blasting 21st-ranked Augustana, 28-12, Drury of Missouri, 40-3, Southwest Minnesota State, 34-3, and NAIA Morningside College of Iowa, 38-3.

Down the road in Crete, UNK had seven individuals competing in the Tigers annual open tournament with four placing between third and sixth place. The finishes could've been higher at a couple of weight classes but, based on the new rule of only six matches in a day for a wrestler, a few Lopers had to stop competing. 

Twenty of UNK's 34 victories in the Duals were of the bonus point variety (nine majors, four falls, four tech falls and three forfeits). At 184 pounds, Alaskan junior Isaac Deaton continued his strong season by having three tech falls, by a combined score of 59-14, and a forfeit against Augie to improve to 13-3.

Many others went 4-0 on the day including Kearney sophomore Trey Schlender (197 lbs.), Geneva sophomore Jarrod Hinrichs (285 lbs.), Grand Island sophomore Jonathan Killingsworth (141 lbs.) and Colorado junior Zach Stodden (174 lbs.).

Schlender had a fall in in 2:11 and a 12-0 major decision with Hinrichs having two second period falls and an 18-5 major. Finally, the ninth-ranked Stodden had two tech falls and two decisions, including a 2-0 effort over Drury's Jacob Brune.

At Doane, Lexington sophomore Dakota Hernandez went 4-2 to place fourth at 157 pounds. He had a fall, tech fall and major before beating Victor Haro of Concordia, 5-3, to reach the third place match.

Alliance sophomore Walker Johnson (149 lbs.) and Gretna junior Brady Radik (285 lbs.) both went 5-1 but couldn't wrestle for fifth place due to the new rule. So, both finished sixth. Finally, South Dakota freshman heavyweight Tre'zen Doren won his first three matches to come in fifth.

UNK is now off until December 30th when it takes part in the Viking-Warrior Open in Fremont.