Head Coach Ryan Ludwig (right) coaches from the sidelines in the Huskies’ 34-3 home loss Jan. 28 against South Dakota State. NIU finished 3-10 this season. 

The Huskies struggled against the Eastern Michigan University Eagles Friday, losing nine of 10 matches.

The Huskies suffered many setbacks against Eastern Michigan University, losing five matches by two or less points. The Huskies fell to the Eagles 30-3.

“Our fight and grit needs to improve heading into Sunday,” said Head Coach Ryan Ludwig.

Redshirt freshman Max Ihry defeated Jared Langley of the Eagles 2-0. Ihry avenged a loss from earlier in the season at the Eastern Michigan Open 4-3. Ihry has two Mid-American Conference dual wins, which is tied with sophomore Brock Hudkins for most on the team. Ihry is 5-13 on the season.

“Ihry was the bright spot in the match today,” Ludwig said. “It was good to see him avenge a match from earlier this season.”

The Huskies struggled to keep the lead in the matches. The Eagles came back and won three of the five matches from behind.

Hudkins fell to Tomas Gutierrez of the Eagles 5-3 at 125 pounds after leading 3-2. Freshman Nolan Baker lost a close match to Kyle Springer of Eastern Michigan University 9-8, after leading 7-2 in the first round.

Redshirt sophomore Caden McWhirter failed to capitalize on a 3-2 lead going into the second round against J.J. Wolfe of the Eagles, falling 7-5. At 285 pounds, redshirt sophomore Caleb Gossett battled against No. 17 ranked wrestler Gage Hutchinson of the Eagles 5-3.

“Gossett really wore out a top-twenty ranked wrestler, he’s closing the gap on ranked guys,” Ludwig said.

Redshirt junior Alijah Jeffery fell to Noah Gonser of Eastern Michigan University by decision 4-2 in the 133-pound match. Sophomore Anthony Rubino at 141 pounds loss by fall to Sa’Derian Perry of the Eagles.

At 165 pounds, redshirt junior Andrew Scott lost by decision to Zac Carson of Eastern Michigan University. Senior Quinton Rosser lost by decision to Andrew McNally of the Eagles at 174 pounds.

The Huskies will be back in action 12 p.m. Sunday as they head to Athens, Ohio to face the Ohio University Bobcats.

Huskies wrestlers compete against each other in the Red/Black Dual Oct. 27. NIU will continue the season Saturday at the Eastern Michigan Open.

Sophomore Brock Hudkins faces his opponent in the Red/Black Dual Friday. The Huskies will begin the season 9 a.m. Saturday at the Iowa State Open.