ERIE, Pa. – The West Liberty University wrestling team’s dominance in the heavier weight classes wasn’t enough to help the Hilltoppers avoid a 21-15 loss to Mercyhurst Friday night in an East Region dual meet on the Lakers’ mat.
Derrick Williams got the visitors off to a flying start with a first-period fall at 184 pounds but Mercyhurst freshman Michael Pollard evened the match by pinning West Liberty All-American Mitch Knapp in the opening minute of the second period at 197 pounds.
J.D. Ramsey put the Hilltoppers back on top with a 2-1 decision at 285 pounds but the Lakers quickly grabbed control when the scene shifted to the lighter weights.
Beginning at 125 pounds, Mercyhurst reeled off five consecutive decisions to take a 21-9 lead into the final two matches of the night.
Jarrod Shaw (165) and Matt Littleton (174) closed out the evening with back-to-back wins but it was too little, too late for the Black and Gold.
The West Liberty wrestling team remained in Erie Friday night before heading across town to take on Gannon University in a 3 p.m. dual meet on Saturday.
Mercyhurst 21, West Liberty 15
125- Ryan Bohince (Mer) d. Preston Foster (WLU) 5-4
133- Michael Baxter (Mercy) d. Pete McAtee (WLU) 7-2
141- Nick Hannan (Mercy) d. Matt Cunningham (WLU) 9-5
149- Shane Foster (Mercy) d. Brian Leggett (WLU) 10-4
157- Jordan Shields (Mercy) d. Seth Phalen (WLU) 5-2
165- Jarrod Shaw (WLU) d. Patrick Leahy (Mercy) 10-3
174- Matt Littleton (WLU) d. Eric Lundgren (Mercy) 5-3
184- Derrick Williams (WLU) p. Eric Fulmer (Mercy) 2:59
197- Michael Pollard (Mercy) p. Mitch Knapp (WLU) 3:45
285- JD Ramsey (WLU) d. Fred Hale (Mercy) 2-1
