No 15. Pioneer wrestlers roll past Swedes

LINDSBORG, Kan. – The No. 15 Wayland Baptist men's wrestling team is peaking at the right time as they defeated Bethany College in their dual Friday, 38-3.
 
Coach Aaron Meister believes his team was poised going up against the Swedes, who are ranked the equivalent of 38th in the NAIA. Despite a minor miscue in one match, the Pioneers (20-7) performed up to their potential in winning their ninth straight dual.
 
"We came out and looked to score," Meister said.
 
WBU scored early and often, starting with 125-pound freshman Adelfo Valdez, who scored a pin in the first match-up.
 
"He's gotten better each match and that's ideal this time of the year," Meister said.
 
Seniors Kane Lovvorn (149), Victor Thomas (157), Roman Correa (165), Mich Napier (184) and Markese Christian (285) followed suit, taking each of their matches.
 
 Also winning their matches were sophomore Gabriel Perez (141) and freshmen David Willoughby (197) and Tommy Rosen-St. John (174). Willoughby and Rosen-St. John picked up forfeit victories since no opponent was available in their weight class.  
 
"We wrestled well and separated ourselves from the opponent," Meister said.
 
The Pioneers will stay in Kansas for a 1 p.m. dual Saturday against No. 18 Baker University. It's Wayland's last dual before the NAIA South Qualifier Feb. 20.
                                         
"We're looking forward to another good showing before we go to regionals," Meister said.