(Results)

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- No. 7-ranked Notre Dame returned from its 17-day layoff without a hitch, picking up wins over Indianapolis (Ind.) (22-19) and the hosts (30-12) at the Mount St. Joseph Duals.  NDC raised their dual record to 11-5 on the season.  Indianapolis drops to 6-7, while MSJC falls to 4-11.  The MSJC Duals were the first action for the Falcons since the Campbellsville (Ky.) Duals (1/24).

The Blue & White were led by freshman #Jeffrey Pelton#, sophomore #Thomas Straughn#, freshman #Jared King#, and sophomore #Kurt Wolff#, who all went 2-0 on the day.

Pelton extended his winning streak to 12 bouts with a major decision and a fall.  In his current streak, Pelton, currently ranked No. 4 at 149-pounds, now has four majors and five falls.  Pelton is now 24-1.

Straughn, ranked No. 4 in the 157-pound class, picked up two decisions to keep pace with Pelton for the team-lead in wins.  Straughn's overall record is now 24-3.

King got back on the winning track at MSJ, after dropping his first bout of the season at Campbellsville.  King, wrestling at 165-pounds, pinned his second opponent of the season, and won by decision in his other match.  King's record is 10-1.

Wolff picked up two decisions in his 174-pound bouts to raise his record to 16-8. 

“It's definitely good to get two wins after the layoff,” said head coach #Frank Romano#.  “We now have some time to prepare for Regionals.”

The Falcons have some time off before their postseason begins with the NAIA Regional Qualifier on Feb. 21 in St. Charles, Mo.

NOTES FROM THE NEST…

REGIONALLY DOMINANT:  The Falcons currently have five wrestlers ranked in the East Region.  Adam Koballa leads the way ranked No. 1 in the 141-pound weight class.  Tyler Savage and Straughn are each ranked No. 2 in the 125-pound and 157-pound classes, respectively.  Pelton is ranked No. 3 at 149-pounds, as is Wolff at 174-pounds. … NDC as a team is ranked No. 4.