The Kent State wrestling team found themselves down early in two separate duals this weekend, but the Flashes eventually defeated Mid-American Conference opponents Ohio University and Eastern Michigan University.

The Flashes were down 9-3 to the rival Bobcats on Friday, but a pin by 197-pound redshirt freshman Kyle Conel sparked the Flashes’ comeback and eventual 20-15 win.

Conel tied the score for the Flashes after heading into the third period with a 4-3 deficit. His six-point pin came after being named MAC Wrestler of the Week, the third Kent State wrestler to win the honor this season. The pin also kept Conel’s undefeated dual meet record intact.

Fifth-year senior, 157-pounder Ian Miller also kept his undefeated dual meet record alive with a 5-2 victory over 20th-ranked Spartak Chino.

Both teams had five wins, but Conel’s pin and fifth-year senior 149-pounder Mike DePalma’s technical fall in the last match gave the Flashes the victory.

Ohio was able to take retake the lead 15-12 after Kent State went on a 9-0 run.

The Bobcats could have sealed a victory with a win in the 141-pound match; however, Flashes sophomore Anthony Tutolo won on an escape in overtime, tying the score again. DePalma finished off Ohio with his win in the final match.

Sunday, the Flashes found themselves in a 14-6 hole before ending the meet with a 13-0 run, started by fifth-year senior 133-pounder Mack McGuire’s major decision.

Tutolo, DePalma, and Miller were able to sweep the final matches with three-point decisions. Conel was also able to stay undefeated in duals with his decision.

Kent State is now 10-3 overall and 3-1 in the MAC. The Flashes will face Old Dominion University at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the M.A.C. Center.

Dan Armelli is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].