Wrestlers battle, but fall to Cornell

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson wrestling team lost three decisions by a total of six points and fell to Cornell 43-0 in a non-conference dual on Tuesday night.

Boasting a lineup with two wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Divison III Poll, the Rams (6-2) notched three pins on their way to the win.

Shane Swank (165), Taylor Witzel (184) and Colby Vlieger (285) all lost decisions by two points throughout the dual.

Swank appeared to be heading to an extra period before he was taken down by Michael Maksimovic in the final seconds of the third period. Witzel used riding time to pull even at 4-4 against Aburough Abegesah after regulation before a takedown gave the visitors a win. Vlieger couldn't get on the board in a 2-0 setback against Carl Gaul.

One of the night's most entertaining matches came at 149 pounds, as Ryan Joint battled ninth-ranked Trevor Engle for 6 minutes, 45 seconds before Engle recorded a pin.

Simpson is off until the new year, when it travels to Williamstown, Mass. for duals against Southern Maine and Williams on Jan. 3. The Storm will then take part in the Williams Invitational on Jan. 4.