LEBANON, Ill. – Central Missouri Mules Wrestling went head-to-head with No. 13-ranked McKendree Saturday evening, falling 25-18 in a competitive non-conference dual that featured several standout performances.

After McKendree opened the night with a win at 197 pounds, Torin Forsyth (HWT) evened the score with a fall, followed by Karim Allal (125) who earned another pin to push UCM ahead, 12-6.

The Bearcats cut into the lead with a decision at 133 before No. 12 Garrett Lyons (149) notched a 13-10 win to keep the Mules in front, 15-13. McKendree rallied late with back-to-back victories to pull ahead, 25-15, before No. 2 Damon Ashworth (184) capped the night with a 9-3 decision.

Despite the final score, UCM battled through every weight class, earning bonus points in multiple matches and showing depth throughout the lineup.

Up next, the Mules return home to host the Kaufman Brand Bayly Open on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg, Mo. Action is set to begin at 10 a.m.