LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In Bellarmine's SoCon opening dual and second consecutive matchup at home, the Knights fell to pre-season conference favorite Appalachian State by a final score of 46-6.
 
Due to an injury to Jack Parker, the Knights had to forfeit the 125 weight class.  Following the forfeiture, Max Dansereau fought hard into the third period but ultimately was pinned, kick-starting the Appalachian State victory.  The Mountaineers collected four falls on the afternoon, living up to their pre-season SoCon favorite billing.

"The team put more offensive points on the score board which was good to see," Knights Head Coach Ned Shuck said.  "There was a couple key positions on bottom that cost us a lot of matches that need to change in order to flip the outcomes."
 
Bryant Wilkinson (197) picked up his first win of the season after an injury forfeiture from Mason Fiscella.  Alex Rhine (157) took an early 6-3 advantage in the first period, but App State's Cody Bond rallied for a tech fall win.  Eric Beck (174) and Sam Schroeder (184) battled into the third period within striking distance, but Thomas Flitz and Barrett Blakeley both ultimately pulled away. 

"The team needs some time off to heal and get geared up for the second semester," Shuck added.  "This Christmas break will allow for some rest and recovery to help us get our strongest lineup out for the next dual.  We're looking forward to continue making gains and watching these guys transform!"

Bellarmine has two weeks off before returning to action Jan. 1 at the Southern Scuffle hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  It marks the first of two straight invitationals for the Knights to start the new year.  BU will hit the mat three times before returning home on Jan.16 to face Gardner-Webb in a SoCon dual.
 
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Appalachian State 46, Bellarmine 6
125: Caleb Smith (App State) wins by forfeiture
133: Codi Russell (App State) def. Max Dansereau (BU), Fall (6:05)
141: Anthony Brito (App State) def. Logan Hoskins (BU), Fall (4:03)
149: Jonathan Millner (App State) def. Mitch Collica (BU), Fall (4:14)
157: Cody Bond (App State) def. Alex Rhine (BU), 22-7 Tech Fall (7:00)
165: Will Formato (App State) def. Devan Hendricks (BU), 12-1 by major decision
174: Thomas Flitz (App State) def. Eric Beck (BU), 9-1 by major decision
184: Barrett Blakeley (App State) def. Sam Schroeder (BU), 15-4 by major decision
197: Bryant Wilkinson (BU) def. Mason Fiscella (App State), Injury Forfeiture
Hwt: Mike Burchell (App State) def. Charlie Cadell (BU), Fall (1:40)
 
*Appalachian State Deducted One Team Point (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)