Kearney, Neb. – The fourth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team went 1-1 in the Nebraska Duals Thursday night in Lincoln, shutting out Hastings College by a 54-0 score and falling to No. 5 Division I Nebraska by a 47-(-1) count.

These were rare November duals for the Lopers. UNK will send non-varsity team members to the Dakota Wesleyan Open in Mitchell, S.D., this Saturday. 

UNK rolled past the Broncos by finishing the dual with six straight falls. Second-ranked Josh Portillo (Clarion, Ia.) started the night by recording a 15-11 win at 125 pounds with eight falls coming up next. They included a 57 second effort by redshirt freshman heavyweight Lee Herrington (Kearney H.S.), a 1:16 pin by junior Jace LaCaille (Georgetown, Texas) at 197 pounds and top-ranked Matt Malcom (Glenwood, Ia.) winning in 1:38 at 165 pounds.

Things were obviously tougher against one of the best Husker wrestling teams in school history. Second-ranked Wesley Dawkins (Lincoln H.S.) returned home and competed a class higher at 141 pounds. He recorded a 4-point near fall and a takedown to grab a 6-3 lead over Chad Reed. However, Reed bounced back to record seven points in the second period and went on to win 10-7. It did appear Dawins pinned Reed at one point but it wasn't called by the official. 

At 165 pounds it was a showdown between 5th-ranked Isaiah White and defending Division II 157 pound national champion Malcom. White managed a takedown in the second period to pull out a 6-4 win. Finally, Pennsylvania redshirt junior Jacob Wasser was down 4-1 in the 157 pound match before having to medical forfeit.