BOONE, N.C. — In Bellarmine's SoCon opening dual, the Knights fell at Appalachian State by a final score of 39-0.  The Mountaineers entered with momentum after knocking off no. 21 North Carolina last Thursday and capitalized with their first conference victory.

The bouts in the higher weight classes were very competitive for Bellarmine as Cole Nance (165), Devan Hendricks (174), Royce Hall (197), and Thadd Huff (Hwt) all fell by decision.  Chase Hall (141) also lost by decision for Bellarmine.

Despite the defeats, Head Coach Ned Shuck was proud of the effort in a tough environment:

"We're super grateful for the opportunity to wrestle a tough team right before Christmas," Shuck said. Our guys battled hard. I need to keep training them up on their skill-sets to be able to turn those results around. Despite the unfavorable outcomes, I can see the improvements we are making. I can't wait to get back to work on building our team!"

Bellarmine returns to the mat on Dec. 29 at the Soldier Salute Collegiate Wrestling Tournament in Coralville, Iowa.  The Knights will then ring in the New Year by competing in the Mat Mayhem Open for the second consecutive season on Jan. 6 at the Louisville Expo Center.
 
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Appalachian State 39, Bellarmine 0
125: #23 Caleb Smith (APP) def. Jack Parker (BU), 18-5 maj. dec.

133: #22 Sean Carter (APP) def. Michael Schiffhauer (BU). 18-3 tech fall

141: Heath Gonyer (APP) def. Chase Hall (BU), 11-5 dec.

149: #7 Jon Jon Millner (APP) def. Zac Cowan (BU), fall (1:41)

157: Tommy Askey (APP) def. Tavius Hosley (BU), 11-1 maj. dec.

165: #26 Will Formato (APP) def. Cole Nance (BU), 7-4 dec.

174: #HM Will Miller (APP) def. Devan Hendricks (BU), 3-1 dec.

184: Luke Uliano (APP) def. Kennedy Wyatt (BU), 19-2 tech fall

197: Carson Floyd (APP) def. Royce Hall (BU), 6-2 dec.

Hwt: Mason Fiscella (APP) def. Thadd Huff (BU), 11-9 dec.