The 13th-ranked Cumberland University Bulldogs fell short against the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.), ranked fifth in the NAIA Team Poll, losing 13-27. The match started at the 133 weight class with unranked sophomore Eric Rogers losing in overtime 7-5 to Mikeal Brooks, who is currently ranked eighth in the NAIA National Poll. At 141, the Bulldogs gave up a forfeit due to an injury. Freshman Corey Bleaken at 149, currently ranked fifth in the NAIA National Poll, continues to find a way to win, pinning All-American Dustin Center in 1:45. Sophomore Daniel Rosbottom at 157 lost in overtime to Josh Boggs, 3-1. Sophomore Trey Myers stepped up his wrestling, coming up with a major decision at 165 over Grant Hoppel, 9-1, and brought the team score to within two at 10-12. Freshman Cory Freeland bumped up from 165 to wrestle at 174 and lost by major decision to Matt Reis, 2-13. Freshman Kyle Studer stepped in at 184 after getting his knee drained of fluid yesterday from his surgery in December. Studer battled, getting the first takedown in the match, but fell short and lost a major decision to Earl Waller, 4-12. Sophomore Luke Borneman, ranked sixth in the NAIA National Poll, bumped up to 197 from 184 and defeated Bobby Jablonski, 8-3. Freshman Xavier Taylor at 285 lost 0-14 to Eric Flinchum, who is currently ranked first in the NAIA National Poll. Taylor did have Flinchum in danger of a fall but could not capitalize on his opportunity. Sophomore Desean Willis came out after defending NAIA National Champ Delirco Choates but fell short 3-10.
"I was really proud  of the way these guys battled tonight in every match, win or loss," CU Wrestling Head Coach Jarad Swint said. "They keep getting better with each match, and hopefully we can put it all together by the end of the season when it counts most. We are very young, wrestling only freshmen and sophomores in this dual, so it is a good sign for the future."