The Mercyhurst wrestling team is in the midst of a magical season. The Ashland University Eagles did their best to provide a dose of reality.
Ashland (8-8) won the last three bouts of the night, but fell to the eighth-ranked Lakers, 26-20. Mercyhurst is 17-1 and has won 11 consecutive matches. These days, it takes more than pulling a rabbit out of a hat to beat the 'Hurst.
That late run by the Eagles, which brought 14 points, began at 184 pounds where Bryson Hall, ranked first in the nation, tamed Angelo Bortlouzzi, 12-3. At 197 pounds, sixth-ranked Joe Brandt also won by major decision, 14-1 over Brian Beattie. Tyler Houska pinned Andy Welton in 2:45 at 285 pounds.
The other AU win came at 133 pounds where third-ranked Michael Labry pinned Kody Young in 6:21.
Mercyhurst picked up its share of bonus points with two technical falls and a major decision.
The Eagles will not wrestle again until they travel to Tiffin for the NCAA Regional Tournament, Feb. 28-Mar. 1.
Mercyhurst 26, Ashland 20
125 - Ryan Bohince (M) wins by forfeit 6-0, MC
133 - Michael Labry (AU) pins Kody Young (M), 6:21 6-6
141 - Dylan DÚrso (M) tech. fall Clarence Longely (AU), 5:25, 15-0 11-6, MC
149 - Jeremy Landowski (M) dec. Brent Fickel (AU), 5-1 14-6, MC
157 - Francis Mizia (M) dec. Kyle Burns (AU), 7-3 17-6, MC
165 - Clint Schaefer (M) tech. fall Zeb Beam (AU), 7:00, 17-2 22-6, MC
174 - August Mizia (M) maj. dec. Luke Cramer (AU), 10-0 26-6, MC
184 - Bryson Hall (AU) maj. dec. Angelo Bortoluzzi (M), 12-3 26-10, MC
197 - Joe Brandt (AU) maj. dec. Brian Beattie (M), 14-1 26-14, MC
285 - Tyler Houska (AU) pins Andy Welton (M), 2:45 26-20, MC
AU
WREST/ALK