SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Feb. 25, 2023) - Buena Vista University seniors Axel Hernandez (141) and Garret Bruce (174) closed out their careers on Saturday, but it wasn't without a nice run through the NCAA DIII Lower Midwest Regional Tournament, as the two placed eighth and sixth, respectively, to help highlight the weekend for the Beavers.

Hernandez began his day with a tough 15-13 loss in the third round consolations and then wrestled in the 7th/8th place match where he eventually lost by decision, 7-4, against the University of Dubuque's Jevontea Yarbrough. Hernandez finishes the year at 16-7 overall.

Bruce, meanwhile came up with a big hip toss in the closing seconds of his match for a six-point move that gave him a thrilling 10-9 triumph over Nebraska Wesleyan's Zeth Gerkensmeyer.  Bruce had fell to Gerkensmeyer earlier this season at the Pete Willson Wheat College Invite, 6-4. He kept his NCAA Tournament berth alive with that victory, but he would then fall in the consolation semifinals, 11-4 to Cornell College's Jacob Sherzer. His season then came to an end with a narrow 4-2 setback at the hands of Loras' Zeb Gindia to finish sixth. He wraps up the year at 22-16.

Buena Vista totaled 22 points for the tournament and placed 17th overall.  Wartburg College was the overall team champion with 181 points.

The tournament wraps up the season for the Beavers.