SOURCE: goarmywestpoint.com

November 27, 2021

"Really excited to be back on the mat after being off for a while ... Proud to be able to win that one for the team." - Ben Sullivan

Never settle. Back in action tomorrow as the Midwestern 🛣️ trip continues! #GoArmy https://t.co/CeS8Tz6dGe

— Army Wrestling (@ArmyWP_Wres) November 27, 2021

AMES, Iowa - The Army West Point wrestling team fell on the road at Iowa State on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 25-9 result to the Cyclones.

The Black Knights (0-2) kept it close early but were unable to overtake their hosts as Iowa State (1-0) picked up crucial results down the stretch to earn the victory. Despite the difference in scoring, the match felt very close as three of the Cadets' losses were decided by three points or less.

Army opened things up in thrilling fashion, as Dalton Harkins defeated his opponent 11-6 in the first bout of the day at 165 lbs. The rookie fought through a scoreless first period to earn the win in his collegiate dual debut, putting the Black Knights up 3-0 out of the gate.

Following Harkins' triumph, the Cyclones used three-straight wins to distance themselves from their visitors. No. 28 Brad Laughlin narrowly missed snapping the streak when he dropped a decision to No. 16 Marcus Coleman at 184 lbs., falling 3-1.

In the heavyweight class, the momentum started to shift in favor of the visitors as Ben Sullivan rallied after trailing for two periods and forced his match into overtime at 7-7. The team captain then defeated his opponent 9-7 to secure another three team points for the Cadets, cutting down Iowa State's advantage to 9-6.

Over the next three bouts, Iowa State racked up 11 points with wins at 125, 133 and 141 to re-extend its lead. Before the Cyclones could get too far ahead, No. 20 P.J. Ogunsanya came up with a huge result at 149 lbs., pulling out a last-minute, 4-3 decision over No. 10 Ian Parker to get the team back on the board. His upset cut the deficit down to 20-9.

In the final match of the day, No. 32 Markus Hartman faced off against No. 1 David Carr, the reigning NCAA Champion at 157 lbs. Though Hartman was in it after the first period, trailing just 2-1, he ultimately dropped a 19-2 result with a technical fall at 6:01 that allowed the Cyclones to claim their final margin of victory.