Bulldogs fall 34-17 to MTSU

HENDERSONVILLE — Jacob Shirley pinned his opponent at 165 and Zeke Hunt won by Technical Fall but Cumberland forfeited three weight classes in a 34-17 loss Saturday against Middle Tennessee at Beech High School.

Shirley pinned Everett Colbert at 165 at 6:59 while Hunt posted a 19-0 victory over Rakim Talley at 174. Jake Williams also picked up an 11-7 Decision over Eric Feuerbacher at 141 and Ethny Holbrook registered a 12-5 Decision against Gabe Gamadamis at 149.

The Bulldogs forfeited at 125, 133 and 157 because of injuries, but Hunt’s Tech Fall pulled CU within 18-17 with three matches remaining. But the Blue Raiders won all three of the final matches, including Jonathan Roberts pinning Aric Fernandez at 5:26 after Fernandez built a 13-2 advantage at 184.

Michael LaBadie posted a 15-4 Major Decision over Kyle Frazier at 197 and Rashied Rayford pinned Tyler Smith at 285 at 5:36.

Cumberland will next wrestle in the Lone Star Duals in Grand Prairie, Texas, on Jan. 12.