Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Andrew Gamble of Iowa Central wrestles against Iowa Western’s Levi May on Wednesday inside Hodges Fieldhouse. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

At this point in the season, Luke Moffitt is looking for more confidence out of his ninth-ranked Iowa Central wrestling team.

On Wednesday night inside Hodges Fieldhouse, Moffitt saw exactly that as the Tritons rolled to a 45-4 victory over fourth-ranked Iowa Western.

“It was definitely nice to come out and see all of our guys compete hard,” Moffitt said. “We want to finish up the season strong and be wrestling with confidence come regionals and nationals.”

Moffitt was disappointed that the Reivers didn’t bring any of their seven ranked wrestlers, but was pleased with the way his group competed in every single match regardless.

In their last career appearances at home, Quez Bostic and fifth-ranked Boone McDermott picked up falls after dominating on the mat.

Bostic (197 pounds) built a 9-3 lead on Iowa Western’s Dajuen Chapman before pinning his shoulders to the mat in 4:56. McDermott (285) rolled to an 8-0 lead before earning a fall in 1:44 over Trevor Stephens.

Fifth-rated sophomore Ashton Eyler earned his fall at the buzzer of the second period against Noah Rutjens (165).

“It was nice to get bonus points and falls out of Bostic and McDermott,” Moffitt said. “That is the best way to gain confidence and momentum as we head toward the postseason.

“Vargas did a great job of getting takedowns and competing hard.”

Maddy Roney (133) earned the first fall of the night for the Tritons, pinning John Cleristor in 4:17 after trailing in the first period.

Bret Minor (141) avenged an earlier loss this season, earning a tight 3-2 decision over Daniel Leal. Minor led the entire way.

“It was great to see Minor turn that outcome around,” Moffitt said. “He lost to him earlier, so to gain momentum against a guy you may see again is huge.

Sixth-ranked Daniel Vargas (125) earned an 11-6 victory over Isaac Garcia in fast-paced clash. Vargas had five takedowns in the match.

No. 7 Andrew Gamble knocked off Levi May, 5-3, at 157 pounds. Gamble had a takedown two escapes and riding points for the victory.

Nolan Miller-Johnston (149) and seventh-ranked Anthony Johnson (174) won by forfeit.

The Tritons are back in action on Saturday as the will compete at the DuHawk Open. The regional tournament will be held Sunday Feb. 9 in Estherville.

IOWA CENTRAL 45, IOWA WESTERN 4

125 — Daniel Vargas, IC won by dec. Isaac Garcia, 11-6; 133 — Maddy Roney, IC pinned John Cleristor, 4:17; 141 — Bret Minor, IC dec. Daniel Leal, 3-2; 149 — Nolan Miller-Johnston, IC won by forfeit; 157 — Andrew Gamble, IC dec. Levi May, 5-3; 165 — Ashton Eyler, IC pinned Noah Rutjens, 5:00; 174 — Anthony Johnson, IC won by forfeit; 184 — Josh McFarland, IW tech fall Triston Licht, 16-0; 197 — Quez Bostic, IC pinned Dajuen Chapman, 4:56; 285 — Boone McDermott, IC pinned Trevor Stephens, 1:44.