Feb. 6, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY

Erie, Pa. - The 12th-ranked Mercyhurst wrestling team made its home debut Wednesday evening and didn't disappoint the home crowd, knocking off No. 11 Ashland, 24-15.

It was the Lakers second win over the Eagles this season, having topped them 21-12 at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in January. It is also Mercyhurst's fourth-straight win over Ashland, evening the all-time series to 4-4.

Mercyhurst (8-12) received a 4-2 decision from junior Payne Lint at 125 pounds to get the dual started. After trading forfeits at 133 and 141, Brian Pogel, the nation's third-ranked wrestler at 149 pounds, cruised to a 7-2 victory and his third win of the season over Marcus Gordon.

At 157 pounds, Mercyhurst sophomore Andy Lamancusa notched an impressive 8-0 major decision over Ashland's standout freshman Muhammad Abdur-Rahman. Lamancusa started quickly, nearly picking up a pin in the opening seconds. He remained in control from there and handed Abdur-Rahman just his fifth defeat in 26 matches.

Senior Hudson Harrison, ranked first in the East Region, edged Tony Bradberry 3-2 to boost the Laker's lead to 19-9. Ashland picked up a 5-0 win from Justin Ferguson at 174 and Jordan Job outlasted Bryan Wolff 4-3 in the fourth tiebreaker to cut the Laker advantage to 19-12.

Mercyhurst's 197-pound junior Trevor Gallo clinched the Laker win, however, with a 17-2 technical fall over Wally Lytle. Ashland's Ray Kent topped Kenny Bluska with a 4-2 sudden victory at heavyweight.

Mercyhurst hosts Shippensburg Sunday at 1 p.m., in its home finale.

COMPLETE RESULTS
125 - Payne Lint (MC) def. Brandon Davis (AU), 4-2 (MC 3-0)
133 - Lance Pitcel (MC) wins by forfeit (MC 9-0)
141 - Kyle Kanaga (AU) wins by forfeit (MC 9-6)
149 - Brian Pogel (MC) def. Marcus Gordon (AU), 7-2 (MC 12-6)
157 - Andy Lamancusa (MC) def. Muhammad Abdur-Rahman (AU), 8-0 MD (MC 16-6)
165 - Hudson Harrison (MC) def. Tony Bradberry, 3-2 (MC 19-6)
174 - Justin Ferguson (AU) def. Jeremiah Hill (MC), 5-0 (MC 19-9)
184 - Jordan Job (AU) def. Bryan Wolff (MC), 4-3 TB4 (MC 19-12)
197 - Trevor Gallo (MC) def. Wally Lytle (AU), 17-2 TF 6:40 (MC 24-12)
HWT - Ray Kent (AU) def. Kenny Bluska (MC), 4-2 SV2 (MC 24-15)