Ashland University's wrestling team lost a 38-6 decision Wednesday (Jan. 21) night against second-ranked Notre Dame College at Kates Gymnasium.
The Eagles now are 3-4 in duals this season, while the Falcons improve to 4-1.
"Going in, giving up 18 points (on three forfeits), we didn't have a lot of hope of winning the match," said Ashland head coach Josh Hutchens. "We were overmatched in a few weight classes."
One weight class where the Eagles never are overmatched is at 133 pounds. Junior Michael Labry, ranked second in the country, competed in his 100th match at Ashland on Wednesday, and defeated Ivan McClay, 10-3.
Labry, a two-time All-American, now is 92-8 in his Eagle career and 26-1 this season.
"Honestly, I didn't even know," Labry said of Wednesday night's milestone. "I don't keep a whole lot of track of my record. One hundred matches, that's a good accomplishment."
As for preparing for the stretch run and a shot at a potential 133-pound national championship in Division II, Labry said, "I'd say I'm right where I need to be. I still have time to work on a few things."
Said Hutchens, "He's ready. He's on pace. Obviously, it's not going to be easy. But he's ready."
Sophomore 197-pounder Brandon O'Neill topped Garrett Linton, 11-4, to improve to 19-4 in 2014-15.
"He's been sick all week, was sick over the weekend," Hutchens said. "He looked tired, but he stuck with it."
Ashland will return to the mats on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1 in the Region II Duals at Tiffin.
"It's seeding for the regionals, so it's going to be our biggest days to date," Hutchens said. "We're going to be up for it."
Added Labry, "It would be real good to get our full team together. It would be nice to get everybody healthy."
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