The Barton Community College wrestling team opened Jayhawk Conference play Tuesday night on the road, falling 57-0 to No. 9 Pratt Community College inside the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena in the annual Battle of Highway 281.
With the setback, Barton moves to 0-1 in conference play and 2-13 overall, while the Beavers improved to 1-0 in league play and 1-0 on the season.
Battling continued roster limitations, the Cougars were forced to forfeit five weight classes on the night, spotting Pratt 30-points throughout the dual. The loss marked the Cougars' sixth consecutive matchup against a nationally ranked opponent.
Barton's closest opportunity came in the final match of the evening at 285-pounds, where Logan Buchanan held an early first period lead before Pratt's Marcel Gonzalez secured a second-period fall.
The Cougars will continue a busy January slate Sunday at the Denker Open in Warrensburg, Missouri, before returning to conference action Wednesday, January 21, in Parson against No. 17 Fort Hays Tech Northwest and host Labette Community College.