Eastern sophomore Kenny Robertson and senior Pete Ziminski each had big weekends for the Panthers, as they won their matches in the Panthers’ two losses over the weekend.

In Thursday’s match against Eastern Michigan at Lantz Arena, No. 20 Robertson (33-9) dominated No. 17 J.J. Holmes 12-1 at 174 pounds. Robertson expected to have another shot at an upset against Missouri on Sunday, when he was scheduled to wrestle No. 2 Ben Askren (27-1).

But Robertson never got that chance because Tigers sent T.J. Hansen at 174 pounds instead. Although the score didn’t show it, Robertson breezed by Hansen 3-2, controlling the whole match.

“I don’t know why they didn’t send (Askren) to wrestle,” Eastern head coach Ralph McCausland said. “Kenny was upset, and it showed in his match.”

Ziminski, Eastern’s only senior, ended his Lantz Arena-career on a high note, winning each of his last two matches there.

In Thursday’s match, Ziminski (15-6) wore down the Eagles’ heavyweight, Charlie Walker, and pinned him with 21 seconds left in the match.

Against Missouri, things looked bad for Ziminski early in the match, when Chase Wetenkamp took him down in the first minute.

Ziminski was able to score an escape and went back to work to take the lead. Ziminski hit a takedown with 30 seconds left in the first period, but Wetenkamp injured his knee during the takedown and had to forfeit the match.

Ziminski was honored before the match for Senior Night, as they highlighted his five years, one as a redshirt, at Eastern.

“Pete’s always the first guy in the weight room and the last guy out,” McCausland said. “He’s just a workhorse and sets the tone by example.”

While Eastern did lose each of its matches, 29-9 against Missouri and 38-13 against Eastern Michigan, these are the types of matches that McCausland likes to schedule because it give his wrestlers the best looks possible.

“The experiences we’re getting from these matches are great,” McCausland said. “I’m sure there are people who look at our schedule and say, ‘Are they really wrestling these teams?'”

The Panthers have the next 12 days off until they travel to Fresno State for the NCAA West Regional, and Eastern will welcome the break after finishing up the regular season.

“It’s the end of the season, and I think everyone’s feeling that right now,” McCausland said.