Kearney, Neb. – The 12th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team used five bonus point victories to roll past Fort Hays State, 30-9, Friday night in Kansas.

This was the Lopers (17-1, 1-0) first MIAA dual of the year while the Tigers fall to 3-5 (0-2). To see the score sheet, go HERE.

UNK got out to a 9-0 lead as ninth-ranked Josh Portillo (Clarion, Ia.) had two takedowns and six near fall points to major Conrad Cole, 12-4, at 125 lbs. Eleventh-ranked Bryce Shoemaker (Baldwin City, Kan.) had three takedowns and 10 near fall points to tech fall Dy'Juan Carney in just 4:30, 17-1. The senior is now 10-1 in the second semester with three tech falls.

While the Tigers took three of the next four classes, redshirt freshman Matt Malcom (Glenwood, Ia.) moved to 8-4 thanks to a 16-1 tech fall at 157 pounds. In just 2:49 he managed two takedowns and 12 near fall points.

UNK closed things out by winning the final four weight classes. At 184 pounds, newcomer JJ Clark (Clarinda, Ia.), who was a linebacker at FCS Drake University in the fall, made a triumphant return to the mats by pinning Jordan Davis at 5:28. The sophomore was down 5-4 when he caught Davis.

Finally, Geneva sophomore heavyweight Jarrod Hinrichs ran his win streak to 15 in a row thanks to a 5-4 decision over Dakota Gulley. While he tallied a first period takedown, Hinrichs needed a third period escape to post his 28th win of the season.

Kearney heads to Central Missouri (Wednesday) and Lindenwood (Friday) next week