Kearney, Neb. – The second-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team closed out its 2016-17 regular season with a 31-16 win over 16th-ranked Fort Hays State Thursday night in Cushing Coliseum.

The Lopers finish at 16-6 (4-1 MIAA). This marks the seventh time in the last 13 years UNK has reached the 15 dual win mark.

To beat the rival Tigers (5-6, 2-3), UNK got first period falls from juniors Bryce Shoemaker (133 lbs.) and Keith Surber (149 lbs.) and sophomore Isaac Deaton (174 lbs.).

Coming off the disabled list, Shoemaker (Baldwin City, Kan.) made quick work of Wyatt Alvis. Prior to his ninth fall of the year, he had a takedown and a two-point near fall. Ranked third nationally, Shoemaker improves to 19-4.

Surber (Sparta, Ill.) also managed a takedown before recording his third fall. Next, Deaton (Valdez, Alaska) was up 4-1 before recording his second fall of the season.

At 165 pounds, third-ranked Calvin Ochs (Hoxie, Kan.) used 12 near fall points to record a 2:03 tech fall, 16-1. Twelfth-ranked Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.) did the same at 184 pounds, managing four takedowns and 10 near fall points for an 18-3 tech fall at 5:45.

Finally, second-ranked heavyweight Kevin Barrett (Baltimore, Md.) used a very late takedown to edge 10th-ranked Christian Lance, 3-1. He is now 27-4 and riding a 10-match win streak.

UNK hosts the MIAA Championships Sunday in the Health & Sports Center.