The Loras College wrestling team battled against No. 16 Central College on Thursday night, beating the Dutch, 22-17, inside of the Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center.

Central got off to a fast start, putting the Duhawks in a 9-0 deficit early after winning the first three matches. However, at 149 pounds sophomore Eric Kinkaid flipped the momentum of the dual with a pin. His win cut into the deficit and brought the Duhawks within three )9-6). 

Senior Gabe Fister followed Kinkaid's performance by tying things up with a decision win at 157 lbs.

Tied 9-9 halfway through the dual, it was anyone's for the taking. Wrestling at 165 lbs, sophomore Dustin Bohren built up an 8-0 lead before pinning his opponent, putting the Purple and Gold ahead, 15-9, for the first time.

Senior Zeb Gnida added to Loras' lead with a major decision victory at 174 lbs, earning the Duhawks four team points and a 19-9 lead.

However, back-to-back major decision wins for the Dutch at 184 and 197 lbs pulled them closer, setting the team score at 19-17 and forcing the dual to be decided by the heavyweight match.

With the dual on the line, sophomore Sage Walker held on for a 2-1 decision win, giving the Duhawks a close 22-17 triumph over Central College.

Loras will make a quick turn-around as they compete this Saturday, January 13, at the Cliff-Keen Mike Duroe tournament in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Action begins at 9 am.