WARRIOR WRESTLERS POST A PAIR OF VICTORIES

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College wrestling team hosted the MAC North-South Duals, Saturday afternoon. The Warriors competed twice during the event and won both matches, defeating Messiah College 24-18 and Albright College 44-3. Lycoming, ranked ninth in the nation, improves to 16-5 overall and 6-0 within the conference with the wins.

The Warriors found themselves in a hole early in the match versus Messiah. Lycoming dropped the first three bouts, including two pins to fall behind 15-0. The Warriors, however, responded by winning the next four weight classes to take a 17-15 lead. Sean Reese (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) got things started with a technical fall at 149 pounds. Jason Smith (Jr./Hughesville, Pa.; Hughesville) followed with a 5-2 decision at 157. Grant Brindle (Jr./Pine Grove, Pa.; Pine Grove) got Lycoming within one by pinning his opponent in just 56 seconds at 165. Derek Crane (Sr./Elizabethtown, Pa.; Elizabethtown) completed the run and put the Warriors ahead with an 8-2 decision at 174. The Falcons regained the lead briefly with a 5-4 decision at 184 pounds, but Lycoming secured the match with wins in the final two bouts. At 197 pounds, Kevin Colton Craig (Sr./Flanders, N.J.; West Morris Mendham) tallied an 8-2 decision, and at heavyweight Tommy Snyder (Jr./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) recorded a 10-2 major.

Against Albright, the Warriors lost just one bout. John Ambs (Sr./Mt. Joy, Pa.; Donegal) and Reese led the way with pins at 141 and 149 pounds, respectively. Jared Weller (Sr./Philipsburg, Pa.; Philipsburg-Osceola) and Hank Reedy (Fr./Sinking Spring, Pa.; Wilson) added major decisions – Weller 17-5 at 125 pounds and Reedy 14-0 at 184 pounds. Kyle Hopkins (So./Milton, Del.; Cape Henlopen) chipped in a 6-2 decision at 157, and Jon Carlson (Sr./Emporium, Pa.; Cameron County) contributed a 5-1 decision at 174. Three other Lycoming wrestlers accepted forfeits.

The Warriors will be at home for their next match on Thursday, February 3. Lycoming will host Delaware Valley College for a Middle Atlantic Conference dual match. Both teams are undefeated in the MAC and ranked in the nation – Delaware Valley 3^rd and Lycoming 9^th. Action is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in Lamade Gymnasium.