LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bellarmine wrestling completes its home-stand with a SoCon opening dual against pre-season favorite Appalachian State (0-1) on Sunday, Dec. 19.

The Mountaineers finished 7-1 in SoCon action last year and most recently won the conference title in 2018.  App State boasted five individual conference champions this past season and holds a 44-5 record in the SoCon over the last seven years, which ranks fifth nationally.  Leading into this week, Appalachian State has competed in just one dual, falling 25-10 to no. 5 NC State.  The Mountaineers take on no. 19 North Carolina Friday night.
 
The Knights will try to get back on track after a 50-0 loss to Ohio last weekend.  Bellarmine was short-handed, forcing forfeitures in the 125 and 141 weight classes. 

Devan Hendricks (165), Eric Beck (174), and Sam Schroeder (184) consecutively had strong showings against the Bobcats despite three losses.  All were within striking distance or led in the third period – Beck and Schroeder lead the team with four wins this season, while Hendricks has three victories.  Cole Nance (157) missed the Ohio dual with injury but is still tied with Beck and Schroeder with four wins this year.
 
The home dual versus Appalachian State begins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. This is Bellarmine's final matchup of the calendar year before the Southern Scuffle on Jan. 1 in Chattanooga.  All of the action at Knights Hall on Sunday can be viewed on BU Knights Sports Network.
 
For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights), Facebook (BUKnights) and the BUKnights mobile app available for iPhone and Android.