From University of Chicago Athletics

The University of Chicago wrestling team lost a home dual meet with North Central College 27-12 on Saturday afternoon at the Ratner Athletics Center.

The No. 23-ranked Maroons (7-3 record) have now faced four nationally-ranked squads in duals this season. The No. 14-ranked Cardinals improved to 11-2 overall.

North Central jumped out to a 9-0 lead after a forfeit and a decision win at 125 and 133 pounds, respectively. UChicago got onto the scoreboard at 141 pounds when first-year Chaise Hauck was able to score an overtime victory with a takedown, securing a 10-8 decision.

The Cardinals pulled out a pair of close matches – 5-3 and 5-2 – in the next two bouts. Then it was time for Kahlan Lee-Lermer to contribute to the cause. The Maroon sophomore was up to the task, jumping out to a 10-2 lead in the second period before ultimately pinning his 165-pound opponent.

After splitting the next two matches, the team score favored NCC 18-12. Junior Jason Lynch provided a 1-0 win at 184 pounds thanks to a third-period escape. But the Cardinals ended up taking the final matches by pin and decision to close out the day.

"North Central deserves their ranking," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "It hurt to give away the forfeit points at 125, but both of our guys at that weight are out right now with injury and illness. The freshmen performed well. Chaise looked like he was on the ropes – and him pulling out a win in overtime was a real boost to the team. So was Kahlan's second-period pin. Even the three freshmen that lost really battled. Gage going up in weight class against a two-time NCAA qualifier and giving him a close match was impressive. Both Will Hare and Jason Crary took it down to the wire. We needed a couple more wins out of the group, but it did not happen. We are not far off though."

North Central 27, UChicago 12
125 – Moe Mitchell (NCC) won via forfeit
133 – Marc Fleenor (NCC) def. Louis Demarco (UC), 10-4 decision
141 – Chaise Hauck (UC) def. Anthony Rink (NCC), 10-8 decision (SV1)
149 – Ben Williamson (NCC) def. Gage Bayless (UC), 5-3 decision
157 – Egan Berta (NCC) def. Jason Crary (UC), 5-2 decision
165 – Kahlan Lee-Lermer (UC) def. Cameron Hayes (NCC), Fall (3:50)
174 – Matt Marcotte (NCC) def. Matt Shoub (UC), 7-3 decision
184 – Jason Lynch (UC) def. Josh Bouie (NCC), 1-0 decision
197 – Tyler Vittal (NCC) def. Joseph Scheidt (UC), Fall (5:37)
285 – Audel Ochoa (NCC) def. Will Hare (UC), 2-0 decision