The United South Central Rebels wrestling team lost a very close match on Friday, Feb. 5, to the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Panthers.

In fact, USC was ahead by two points with one match to go, 38-36. However, the Rebels had to forfeit at 285 pounds, giving the Panthers six points and the match by a score of 42-38.

Kolt Bullerman had gotten the Rebels off on the right foot with a fall at 1:26 in the 106 pound match.

The Panthers came right back to tie it by way of a Rebel forfeit, but USC proceeded to win three straight matches by pins, to give the Rebels a 24-6 lead.

Byron Getchell got a pin at 120 pounds, Bryce Sonnek at 126 and Ethan Elvebak at 132.

USC’s Gavin Bird lost by a fall at 138 pounds, but Konner Harpestad came back with a pin at 145 pounds. Micah Hamson added a 13-4 major decision at 152 and the Rebels were up 34-12.

However, NRHEG won the next four matches by three forfeits and a pin, and they went up by two, 36-34.

Matt Beyer came up with an 11-3 major decision at 220 pounds to give the Rebels four points and a slim 38-36 lead with a match to go.

Unfortunately, the last match forfeit gave the Panthers the win.