Leavenworth, Kan. - Both men and women wrestling programs laced up against the Spires Friday night (Feb. 13) for two big conference matchups. The men were going for the KCAC title and the women were looking to go above .500 in the conference on the season.
Women would lose 27-21 to the Spires in their last dual meet of the season. Finishing their overall dual meet record at (3-6) KCAC (1-2). As for the men's wrestling team this would be the second straight year they would face off against the Spires for the KCAC title. Men's wrestling would go down in defeat losing 28-18 ending their season with (7-7) KCAC (5-1).
The women started the Friday night doubleheader. Both teams were short handed going into the dual so there were many forfeits. At 124 lbs there would be a match, Naomie Sylvestre took on Madison Kalamau of the Spires. Sylvestre went down in defeat 8-7 in an entertaining match between two talented wrestlers. Women would fall 27-21 in this one and will look forward to the KCAC/SAC tournament held here in Wichita.
Men's wrestling started at 125 for the KCAC title. Braden Ledford took on the No. 3 ranked Brady Gee. Ledford would go down 6-0 in a tough match against a top ranked opponent.
Next up would be 133 lbs with No. 11 ranked Braydon Pacheco. Pacheco brought energy to the Falcons bench as he pinned the Spire in a cradle after being caught on his back in the first period. The Falcons would lead 6-3 after two.
Wyatt Gardner would go down at 141 in a 4-1 decision with the Spires tying the match 6-6.
The Spires would rattle off three more wins until Benedict Holthaus came up clutch with a huge fall at 174 lbs.
Jason Bowers would contribute by getting a pinfall for himself, however the Falcons were running out of time to make a comeback. Falcons would drop to St. Mary for the 2nd year in a row 28-18. A lot of matches that fell out of Friends reach could have made this contest much more interesting.
Men's and women's wrestling have finished their regular season. Both programs look forward to punching in qualifiers for the NAIA National Tournament. The men's conference tournament will be at Bartlesville this upcoming Saturday (Feb. 21).
Women's wrestling will host the KCAC/SAC conference tournament here in Wichita. The tournament will be next Friday (Feb. 27) at the Garvey Center.
