Bears Fall To No. 22 Penn at Home

Sunday, January 11

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

Penn

Dean Popejoy | UNC Athletics

1/11/2026 4:16:00 PM | Wrestling

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo - Northern Colorado wrestling returned to Bank of Colorado Arena on Sunday afternoon, hosting No. 22 Penn in a competitive dual that ultimately went in favor of the Quakers, 25–10. The Bears showed flashes throughout the lineup, earning four wins and battling in several close matches against a nationally ranked opponent.

At 125 pounds, sophomore Bryson Valdez dropped a hard-fought 6–4 decision to Brady Pruett. Valdez traded positions throughout the bout, securing a reversal in the third period to pull within one before Pruett escaped late to seal the win.

Northern Colorado got on the board at 133 pounds as senior No.11 Dominick Serrano delivered a thrilling 13–12 decision over Evan Mougalian in what proved to be the match of the night. Serrano rallied from multiple deficits and secured a decisive take down in the final minute, riding out the clock to earn the dramatic victory.

Penn responded with wins at 141, 149, 157 and 165 pounds. Ramon Salazar fell 4–0 at 141, while Emilio Trujillo-Deen was pinned at 149. At 157, Daishun Powe suffered a 13–1 major decision, and Killian Shultz dropped a 4–1 decision at 165 in a tightly contested but low-scoring bout.

The Bears found momentum again in the upper weights. At 174 pounds, Murphy Menke turned in a dominant performance, earning a 12–4 major decision behind consistent pressure, timely take downs and riding time. Senior Mahonri Rushton followed with a solid 5–1 decision at 184, scoring an early take down and controlling the match positionally.

Penn closed out the dual with victories at 197 and heavyweight. Tyler Perry fell 4–1 at 197 after a defensive battle, and heavyweight Enzo Cappabianca came up short against John Pardo despite a physical, back-and-forth match.

Northern Colorado will look to build on the strong individual performances as they continue conference competition.

UP NEXT: The Bears will prepare to host Arizona State on Sunday, January 18. The dual is set to start at 2 p.m.

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