Continuing a season-long theme Thursday, Lawrence High's wrestling team won more matches than its dual opponent, but lost.
The Lions, who won five of their eight matches on the mat, lost to Leavenworth, 44-30 at Lawrence high because of forfeits in five open weight classes.
"When you look at it on an individual basis, which is what we're kind of basing our season on this year, we did a pretty decent job," Lawrence coach Jeff Tummons said. "Leavenworth always has a tough team, and I know they had a few younger guys in tonight, but they always put a good group of guys on the match and it's always tough."
After an LHS forfeit in the 103-pound class, Joey Kelly won Lawrence's first match by pinning Major Combs in the 112-pound division to tie the dual at 6.
The Lions were down 17-6 from two forfeits and a loss by the time they picked up another win a Chris Hultine pin of James Combs in the 135-pound class.
The Pioneers picked up two forfeits and two wins in the next four weight classes, including an 8-5 decision by Josh Johnston over Aaron Madill.
"Aaron Madill had a tough match tonight," Tummons said. "Josh Johnston is ranked (No. 5) in the state and is a real tough wrestler."
The Lions finished strong with pins in three of their final four matches, marred only by a forfeit in the 215-pound division.
Carl Lisher started the streak with a pin of Dustin Linder at 171 pounds. Clayton Kellerman followed with a pin of Beau Blew, and Kenny Poverlein II pinned John Delariva.
"I probably wrestled the best I've wrestled all year," Kellerman said, "because I didn't feel intimidated. I felt more confident about myself."
Tummons was especially happy with the progress made by some of the less experienced members of the team.
"I'm just pleased that the younger guys keep coming long," he said. "The more mat time we can get them, the better they get. Slowly but surely, we're making progress."
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