PELLA — Starting the night with first period-falls by two of its seniors provided all the momentum that the Central College wrestling team needed to dispatch Iowa Conference rival 33-12 Simpson College Thursday night.

Seniors A.J. Pestano (Torrance, Calif.) and Aaron Anderson (Clarion, Iowa, Clarion-Goldfield HS) opened the dual with a bang. The duo gave the Dutch (9-3, 4-3 Iowa Conference) a 12-0 headstart, recording first-period falls at 125 and 133 pounds, respectively.

"What A.J. has done over the last four years epitomizes our team," coach Eric Van Kley said. I couldn't prouder of what he's accomplished. To send him out a winner at home like that was pretty special."

"Aaron has been a rock in our lineup over the last four years. He's another guy that's really left his mark on this program. It was great to see him get a pin tonight."

In the tightest match of the night, Central's AJ McBroom (junior, Runnells , Iowa, Southeast Polk HS) nearly pitched a shutout against Simpson's Brett Roberts, before a late escape by Roberts narrowed the margin of victory to 7-1.

"A.J.'s getting stronger every match," Van Kley said.  "He hasn't wrestled a lot of matches this year yet and he's still getting his legs under him. Wins like that give him a lot of a confidence."

Wrapping up the night at 285 pounds was Jay Pike (senior, Solon), who once again won in dramatic fashion with a takedown in the final five seconds to win 3-1.

"Jay Pike is just winner," Van Kley said. "He's one of the smaller heavyweights and he's not flashy, but he has heart that's twice as big as he is. He has a knack for digging deep and winning hard fought matches."

With the win, Central earns sole possession of fourth place in the conference standings. Coupled with last year's tie for fourth place, it's the first time in nearly 20 years that Central has finished in the top half of the league in consecutive seasons.

"It's another really positive step in the right direction," Van Kley said. "It means a lot to secure a spot in the top half of the conference, but our guys know we've got to keep working hard and getting better "

Next on the schedule for the Dutch is the NCAA Division III Central Regional on February 28. With 17 days to prepare, Van Kley says the time off will be critical.

"The biggest thing is that we've got to get healthy and we've got to get focused," he said. "We've got big goals ahead and we're excited about it."