ERIE, PA (January 28, 2011) – In its first of two matches scheduled for the weekend, the Kutztown University wrestling team battled in one of its toughest and most thrilling matches of the year, but dropped a 19-17 decision to Mercyhurst College Friday night. (COMPLETE RESULTS)
Austin Williams (Pen Argyl, PA/Pen Argyl) added another win to his belt Friday night, defeating Mercyhurst's Levi Smeltzer in a 5-1 decision. The reigning Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Athlete of the Week and fourth ranked wrestler in Super Region I has a team-leading 13 wins in dual meets this season. Williams' tenacity has given the Golden Bears a strong advantage to win every week at 133 pounds.
After a back-and-forth match, the final heavyweight bought would determine the winner of Friday night's dual meet. Justin Grant (Easton, PA/Easton), who leads the team with 17 overall wins, went up against Fred Hale with Kutztown leading 17-16.
After going down 2-0, Grant brought KU back and tied it at two apiece. Unfortunately for KU, Hale was able to earn an escape point for the Lakers and will end up on the winning side of an epic 3-2 decision, giving Mercyhurst the lead and the overall dual meet win.
Grant has been solid for the Golden Bears all year long, having only dropped three dual matches this season. His heart and willingness to compete is surely an asset Kutztown is grateful to have heading into the final leg of the season.
Kutztown (7-10 overall) entered Friday's match ranked fifth in Super Region I and received votes in the latest Division II national poll.
KU won four consecutive matches at one point Friday night, three of which coming by decision. John Paukovits (Northampton, PA/Northampton) defeated Anthony D'Urso 5-2 at 149 and earned his ninth dual meet victory of the season. He is currently ranked fourth in the region.
Ricky Pena (Reading, PA/Reading) took down Pat Leahy 3-0 at 165, and Eric Sergent (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth Area HS) was on the better half of a 1-0 decision at 174. Anthony Frost (West Reading, PA/Wyomissing) also earned a win by forfeit at 157.
The Golden Bears match up against the third ranked team in the region in Gannon University on Saturday in their final match of the weekend. Action is set to get underway at 1:00 p.m. Live stats for Saturday's match can be found by CLICKING HERE.
--KU--
