LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In one of the most hard-fought duals of the season, Bellarmine wrestling came up short against Gardner-Webb at Knights Hall by a final score of 24-15.
 
As the tension built with every individual match, the Knights (1-11) scored 12 straight points to take a 15-11 lead.  But the Running' Bulldogs (2-5) won the final three bouts to take home the SoCon victory.  Knights Head Coach Ned Shuck was very proud of his team despite the final score.
 
"Attitude, effort, and fight is what we preach," Shuck said.  "Across the board, we did a heck of a job with that tonight."
 
The afternoon began in exciting fashion for BU with Jack Parker (125) rallying for an 11-9 against Aedyn Concepcion.  After a tech fall and pin for Gardner-Webb, the Knights found themselves down 11-3 early. 
 
Mitch Collica (149) then started an exceptional stretch of wrestling for Bellarmine, holding off a late Corbin Dion comeback, winning 7-5 by decision.  Cole Nance (157) controlled Tyler Brignola from start to finish, bringing Bellarmine a 9-3 win.  Devan Hendricks (165) followed with arguably the best match of the day.  Tied 2-2 with RJ Mosley after multiple extra periods, Hendricks led in riding time, giving him a 3-2 win by tie-breaker.  Hendricks received a standing ovation from his teammates as the Knights took a 12-11 lead.  Eric Beck (174) expanded the advantage with a 5-4 win over Evan Schenk.  Beck trailed 4-3 entering the final period but used a late takedown to push BU ahead 15-11.  The Running' Bulldogs, however, took the final three matches and the overall dual win.
 
"We had some huge gutsy wins tonight," Shuck added. "Jack Parker coming back from a 6-1 deficit in the first period to secure a win was huge.  He just keeps getting better and better every time out there.  I love his fight.  Also, the match at 141 was a barn burner early with Logan (Hoskins) putting his opponent on his back.  Having that one flipped on us hurt the team score, but I'm proud of him being able to return after a long break."
 
Shuck also pointed out the thrilling wins for Hendricks and Beck.
 
"Devan had a really tough opponent and to win a match like that in a tie-breaker situation was awesome," Shuck explained.  "Beck must have hit 20 leg attacks and finally got the match winner with short time.  Again, I am proud of how tough and gritty these guys are becoming."

Bellarmine stays at home this week, as they welcome Davidson (1-5) to Knights Hall on Friday at 6:00 p.m.  View all of the action on BU Knights Sports Network.
 
For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow us on Twitter (@BUKnights), Instagram (BUKnights) and Facebook (BUKnights).
 
Gardner-Webb 24, Bellarmine 15
125: Jack Parker (BU) def. Aedyn Concepcion (GW), 11-9 by decision
133: Todd Carter (GW) def. Max Dansereau (BU), 18-2 by tech fall (5:25)
141: Trevon Majette (GW) def. Logan Hoskins (BU), Fall (4:07)
149: Mitch Collica (BU) def. Corbin Dion (GW), 7-5 by decision
157: Cole Nance (BU) def. Tyler Brignola (GW), 9-3 by decision
165: Devan Hendricks (BU) def. RJ Mosley, 3-2 by decision TB-1
174: Eric Beck (BU) def. Evan Schenk (GW), 5-4 by decision
184: Jha'Quan Anderson (GW) def. Sam Schroeder (BU), 15-1 by major decision
197: Anthony Perrine (GW) def. Bryant Wilkinson (BU), 9-2 by decision
Hwt: Peyton McComas (GW) def. Charlie Cadell (BU), Fall (6:37)