DeKALB — Four Huskies went undefeated in the team’s matches Saturday against the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Cougars and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Bulldogs.

The Huskies traveled to Springfield facing a rough 0-4 start to the season but began the evening strong with a win over the Bulldogs 43-10 and defeated the Cougars 28-14.

Redshirt junior Bryce Gorman, redshirt sophomore Caleb Gossett, redshirt sophomore Caden McWhirther and redshirt junior Alijah Jeffery all went undefeated on the weekend and were the main contributors for the team winning two matches.

“We are proud of the fight and effort of every man tonight — from our freshman that responded to the call to our seasoned guys we left it all out there,” Head Coach Ryan Ludwig said. “The guys were motivated for each other. This team is getting closer and bonding well.”

Redshirt junior Alijah Jeffery won his match at 133-pounds against Nicholas Long of The Citadel by fall, gaining six points for the team.

Sophomore Anthony Rubino lost to Douglas Gudenburr of The Citadel by fall, gaining six points for the Bulldogs. With the Huskies leading 12-6, they dropped a second match to the Bulldogs. Tyler Buckiso of The Citadel defeated freshman Nolan Baker by major decision, closing the gap to 12-10.

The Huskies won the next six matches, shutting out the Citadel 31-0 in the match.

“There is always work to be done,” Ludwig said. “We need to be more disciplined in maintaining our position at all times despite our opponents motion.”

Sophomore Brock Hudkins started things off against Southern Illinois with a win over Zachary Gentzler at 125-pounds by decision, giving NIU the early lead. Jeffery defeated Joe Antonelli by fall, gaining six points for NIU.

The Huskies dropped two in a row as Dakota Leach and Tyshawn Williams of the Cougars got two victories against NIU in the match.

The Huskies won four of the last six to put away Southern Illinois and defeat them 28-14.

“We were aggressive and gritty on both duals today,” said Ludwig. “It’s about fighting for everything, and we saw that tonight. We will build on that in matches moving forward.”

The Huskies are now 2-4 on the season, as they look to continue their winning streak with conference play right around the corner.

The team will face two Mid-American Conference opponents in Eastern Michigan and Ohio before hosting two matchups in the Convocation Center against North Dakota State University and University of Missouri Jan. 28 and Feb. 2, respectively.

NIU will be back in action 7 p.m. Friday as they head to Ypsilanti, Michigan to face the Eastern Michigan University Eagles. That match will be followed by another conference head-to-head match against the Ohio University Bobcats 1 p.m. Sunday in Athens, Ohio.