DeKALB | Faced with a break from MAC play, the NIU wrestling team was defeated 23-15 on Friday night in Cedar Falls, Iowa by the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.

NIU (2-10 overall, 0-4 MAC) lost to a non-conference opponent despite pinfall victories at 141 from senior Tristen DeShazer and at 197 from junior Mike Lukowski. Freshman Nick Smith was also able to record a win at 125 after sitting out the past two weeks with an injury.

After NIU got off to a strong start fueled by Smith’s opening match win, UNI (8-8, 2-0 WWC) was able to leap ahead with a major decision at 133 to capture a 4-3 lead. DeShazer quickly recaptured the momentum for NIU with a pin only 48 seconds into his match, but the Panthers were able to solidify the lead by winning five straight matches.

NIU did have a chance of overcoming the 20-9 deficit, but were unable to do so despite an impressive pinfall victory from Lukowski over All-American Jarion Beets.

“Mike [Lukowski] has been working extremely hard in individual workouts the last couple weeks,” said Ryan Ludwig, NIU associate head coach. “He’s been gaining a lot of ground in those and it was only a matter of time before he had a match like this, and I am pleased he got there.”

DeShazer’s win was the fifth in his last six to be pinfall victories, which have stretched over a total time of 5:35. He has recorded back-to-back pinfall defeats.

“Tristen’s one of the most dangerous wrestlers I’ve ever seen in my coaching and competitive career,” Ludwig said. “I think he is at a great place right now with his attitude and close to the gap on the things he needs to work on with his wrestling.”

Smith has also been a key component on the roster and his return to the mat was a positive boost for the Huskies.

“We have Nick Smith back in the lineup, and he has been a great starter for us,” said NIU head coach Dave Grant. “He beat a kid we haven’t been able to beat in the past four years against someone who is a fifth-year senior.”