CEDAR FALLS – UNI picked up bonus points at five different weights, including a pin by Jay Schwarm at 125 and rolled to a 32-12 victory over Utah Valley in the Panther’s Big 12 opener Saturday evening at the West Gym in Cedar Falls.
The match opened at 125 where Schwarm made quick work of UVU’s William Edelblute. Edleblute picked up an early takedown, but Schwarm earned a reversal and picked up the pin with just 1:46 into the first period.
At 133, UVU’s Taylor Lamont earned a 4-2 decision over Jack Skudlarczyk, but Michael Blockhus responded with a 6-4 win over Cameron Hunsaker after a late take down and two-point nearfall in the third period.
Utah Valley forfeited the 149 match, giving the Panthers a 15-3 lead. Paden Moore, wrestling in his first dual of the season, earned a 12-2 major decision over UVU’s Jerry Rubio at 157 and Austin Yant picked up a 2-0 win over Koy Wilkinson at 165.
Bryce Steiert and Taylor Lujan earned technical falls on their bouts, but accomplished the feat in vastly different ways. Steiert notched three four-point near falls en route to the 18-0 win. Lujan notched 10 take downs to earn the 25-9 win at 184.
Utah Valley earned wins at 197 and 285 to cut the final tally to 32-12.
The Panthers are now 1-2 in duals this season and 1-0 in Big 12 action.
Schwarm now has 43 career pins. He is fifth all-time. John Kriebs is next on the list with 53 career pins.
With the win, Taylor Lujan now has 99 career victories.
The Panthers are home for a pair of duals next weekend, starting with South Dakota State at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10.