FAYETTE, Iowa – The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team began the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference portion of its schedule on Sunday afternoon. The Mustangs were defeated 28-9 by No. 3 Upper Iowa University at the Dorman Gymnasium.

SMSU falls to 6-3 overall on the season, including 0-1 in NSIC play while Upper Iowa improves to 6-1, 3-0 in the conference.

The Peacocks grabbed an early 6-0 lead with Kyle Pedretti earning a win by forfeit in the 125-pound weight class. UIU extended its lead to 10-0 after Trevor Franklin, who is ranked No. 1 in the country at 133 pounds, won by major decision over SMSU's Justin Reinsma, 12-4.

Ethan Hildebrandt got the Mustangs on the board with a 7-3 decision over Blake Hilmer at 141 pounds. The Peacocks would take the next two weight classes with a decision and a pin at 157 pounds to extend its lead to 19-3 over the Mustangs.

Jacob Begin improved to 15-4 on the season earning a 9-7 decision over Blake Sorensen at 165 pounds to make the score 19-6. Upper Iowa would win three of the final four bouts of the dual to take a 28-9 victory.

Wade Gobin, ranked sixth in the nation at 174 pounds won by decision, 6-3, over Trent Molaceck before SMSU's Andrew Rodas picked up a 10-3 decision over Mitch Schultz who is currently ranked fourth in the nation at 184 pounds.

Fourth-ranked Carl Broghammer picked up an 8-3 decision over Martin Hagen at 197 pounds before Luke Stika needed overtime to decision SMSU's Brian Rodas 3-1 in the heavyweight match.

Southwest Minnesota State returns to NSIC action on Friday, Jan. 27, hosting Northern State at the PE Gym beginning at 7 p.m. The Mustangs will then take on top-ranked St. Cloud State University at Canby High School on Saturday at 7 p.m.