Life University was riding high following its win over top-ranked Grand View at the NWCA National Duals on January 6. Now, the Running Eagles should be soaring after a 19-16 win over Lander on Friday, Jan. 26.

Head coach Omi Acosta took his team to Greenwood, South Carolina, to face the Lander -- the second-ranked NCAA Division II team in the country. The result was a back-and-forth dual that left no one disappointed.

Lander's James Joplin struck first with a 14-2 major decision before Life's Thaddeus Long (133) and Tyree Johnson (141) picked up decisions. 

Returning NCAA champion Zeth Brower secured a 19-3 tech at 149 pounds to give the Bearcats a 9-6 lead after four matches. 

It was a game of ping-pong from there. Lander got a decision from David Husberger at 165 and a major from Anthony Yacovetti at 197. Life got a decision from Riley Smucker at 174 and a major from Kyle Homet at 184.

It was 16-16 entering the final match in a battle of fourth-ranked wrestlers: Zane Lanham of Life vs Juan Edmond-Holmes. Lanham earned a 4-0 lead in the second before Holmes battled back to make it 4-2 in the third. Lanham held on to give Life a 19-16 win. 

"First, I would like to thank God for the opportunity to compete and to get out of this dual at Lander healthy," Acosta said. "Second, I'm extremely proud of the grit my guys showed. My guys were gritty and they were looking for points and we were looking to make a statement to show that NAIA can compete. 

"This showdown between Lander and Life U is great for the sport of wrestling. I want to give a shout-out to (Lander coach R.C. LaHaye) for creating that environment and allowing us to be part of that Friday night. We will continue to get better at Life U. We have a couple of things we need to accomplish this year. We need to focus and continue to get better this year as we work toward the NAIA Championship."

No. 2 NAIA vs No. 2 NCAA D2! Life University travels to Greenwood, SC and gets the win on the road against Lander University! #Lucha 🦅

No. 2 Life U - 19
No. 2 Lander - 16 pic.twitter.com/6u1rQzSHij

— Life U Wrestling (@Lifeuwrestling) January 28, 2024

Life 19, Lander 16
125: James Joplin (Lander) over Antonio Saldate (Life University) (MD 14-2)
133: Thaddeus Long (Life University) over Elijah Lusk (Lander) (Dec 7-2)
141: Tyree Johnson (Life University) over Isham Peace (Lander) (Dec 9-2)
149: Zeth Brower (Lander) over Reese Jones (Life University) (TF 19-3 4:23)
157: Brevin Balmeceda (Life University) over Jack Tangen (Lander) (Dec 2-0)
165: David Hunsberger (Lander) over Jaden New (Life University) (Dec 11-4)
174: Riley Smucker (Life University) over Gage Bernall (Lander ) (Dec 4-2)
184: Kyle Homet (Life University) over Jack Bond (Lander ) (MD 12-2)
197: Anthony Yacovetti (Lander ) over Demarco Lee (Life University) (MD 9-0)
285: Zane Lanham (Life University) over Juan Edmond-Holmes (Lander ) (Dec 4-2)