WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons secured a 26-21 victory over the Avila University Eagles in their final home match of the season (Jan. 31) inside the Garvey Center.

A pin by Xavior Harrell electrified the crowd and got the night started on the right note for the Falcons. Another pinfall victory by Ezavian Ortega and a 12-6 decision win by Gunnar Henderson then gave Friends a commanding 15-3 lead.

After three straight wins for Avila tied the score, Jason Bowers came through with a huge technical fall win and Gustavo Renteria followed that with a clinching pinfall for the Falcons.

Austin Zaring, the lone Falcon senior on Senior Night, dropped a close 2-1 decision to Avila's Karter Brink.

"The guys showed a lot of effort and heart this evening," said Friends men's wrestling head coach Tyler Mies, in his first season at the helm. "I think we surprised a lot of people tonight. It was a really good dual and it shows that what we have been doing is coming together. We look forward to continuing to get better each day and giving this season all we have. These guys are a lot of fun and we all love each other and compete for more than ourselves."

The Falcons will next face Newman University Saturday afternoon (Feb. 3) at 2:30 pm at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan.