Mustangs split Kansas duals

OTTAWA, KAN. – The much anticipated rematch between Morningside and Ottawa finally came around today, and to Morningside's disappointment, Ottawa came out on top, 28-16. Before the Mustangs and Braves locked in competition, though, the Mustangs first made quick work of the Bethany College Swedes.

Morningside won 9-of-10 matches against the Swedes, setting them aside 54-4, collecting pins or forfeits in each win. 

Zander Ernst was the first Mustang on the mat with a match, with the 165-pound match resulting in a Morningside win and a pin at the conclusion of the first period.

In the 174-pound match, which happened to be the night's shortest, Alex Vandyke scored a fall in 37 seconds. 

Hayden Wempen wrestled into the second period, pinning his opponent in 3:21, and Jakob Jerabek concluded the dual with a win via fall in 1:39.

The Mustangs looked like they could sweep the day as the Ottawa dual reached its midway point with the score favoring Morningside 16-4 after Evan Shell and Benjamin Schmitz each received decisions and John Diener won a major decision. Noah Styskal won his match at 157-pounds via fall.

The Braves, who recently fell to no. 12 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coaches' poll, reminded everyone that they are still a top-20 team, rallying, after mid-match senior day recognition, in front of their home crowd to win the dual.

Next on the schedule for Morningside is the Great Plains Athletic Conference Tournament and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national qualifier, Feb. 17 and 18 at Doane University.