KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — In the first Great Lakes Valley Conference wrestling meet in program history, Bellarmine University nearly rallied from an 18-0 deficit before falling 21-19 to host Truman State and the Knights were defeated 34-21 by Drury.

Four GLVC duals took place at the event, with Bellarmine, Truman State, Drury and Indianapolis all competing in two apiece. UIndy went 2-0 after beating Truman State 34-12 and Drury 34-6.

There didn't appear to be much hope for Bellarmine after it fell behind Truman State 18-0 partially due to forfeits in the first two weight classes. The Knights are in the first year of the program and as a result are hindered by depth issues.

Undaunted by the steep deficit, Bellarmine rattled off five straight victories to pull ahead 19-18. Sophomore Andy Dobben (157-pound weight class) got things going by earning a major decision, 9-0, over Zach Taylor.

Junior Mitch Rusch (165) followed by pinning Dustin McClintock and then Bellarmine won three more matches by decision: sophomore Timothy Edwards (174) notched a 7-4 win over Brandon Petit; junior Ci'Vaughn Green (185) defeated Jules Joseph 14-9; and junior Brian Carman (197) took care of Sam Reeves 7-3.

Unfortunately, the Knights dropped the heavyweight match by decision as the Bulldogs earned three points to clinch the win.

Bellarmine faced an even greater deficit against Drury — 22-0 — and fought back to within 28-21. Dobben won by forfeit and Carman by medical forfeit, Rusch captured a 5-0 decision over Grant Taylor and Edwards pinned Quintin Bisbey.

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GLVC DUALS RESULTS (PDF)