St. Louis – In a battle of the early Great Lakes Valley Conference leaders, the Maryville wrestling team was narrowly defeated by McKendree 18-14 Friday evening. Both teams won five matches apiece but bonus points proved to be the difference in the team score.
 
The Bearcats earned a major but JP Homfeld posted a 7-4 decision at 133. McKendree claimed the 141 bout before Tyler Stegall rolled to a 12-5 victory in the 149 classification. The visitors posted a fall at 157 but Cole Ritter battled back for the Saints with a 7-2 triumph at 165.
 
After dropping the bout at 174, Joey Williams battled for a 4-3 win at 184. McKendree took the 197 contest, and Ryan Herman worked a 7-4 win at heavyweight.
 
The Saints return to the mats tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 28, with a 7 p.m. matchup with Quincy in Moloney Arena.