Feb. 10, 2008

Erie, Pa. - The 15th-ranked Mercyhurst wrestlers sent their seniors out in style Sunday, winning their home finale and continuing the program's success over East Region rival Shippensburg with a 28-19 victory.

The Lakers (9-12) led the Red Raiders (6-4) just 22-19 heading into the heavyweight bout, but junior Kenny Bluska sealed the victory with a pin of Jon Rhone in 4:44.

The Lakers also received a pin at 149 pounds from third-ranked Brian Pogel. Pogel's pin came at a pivotal time, as Shippensburg held a 7-3 lead heading into his match against Ship's Rob Cross. Pogel retrieved the lead quickly, however, recording the fall in just 1:49.

At 157 pounds, eighth-ranked Andy Lamancusa used a furious rally to pick up a 12-10 sudden victory over Ship's Dan Nauman. Lamancusa trailed 10-8 but scored a takedown with just seconds remaining the third period. In the overtime, both wrestlers nearly landed two points early, but Lamancusa finally gained control to earn the win.

Sixth-ranked Hudson Harrison kept the Lakers rolling with a 10-0 major decision at 165 pounds to extend the team's lead to 16-7. Shippensburg, however, received a pin from Chris Barrick and a forfeit at 184 to momentarily take a 19-16 advantage.

The Lakers retook the lead 22-19 with Shippensburg's forfeit at 197, and Bluska's win at heavyweight clinched the win.

Mercyhurst also received a 5-4 win from junior Payne Lint at 125 pounds.

With the win, Mercyhurst remains perfect against Shippensburg, winning all seven duals since the Laker program began in 2001-02. Sunday's match, however, was the first since the inaugural meeting to be decided by more than five points.

Prior to the match, the Lakers honored Don Cummings and Harrison as a part of Senior Day. Cummmings was a three-time national qualifier and earned All-American status in 2005 at 141 pounds. He has totaled 83 wins during his career, ranking fifth all-time. Harrison, 26-6 this season, has 91 career wins to his credit and ranks fourth on the all-time wins list. Like Cummings, he is a three-time national qualifier.

The Lakers, winners of two-straight duals, travel to Findlay on Friday, Feb. 15 for a 7 p.m. start. The following day, the Lakers square off against Limestone at Gannon University at 7 p.m.

COMPLETE RESULTS
125 - Payne Lint (MC) def. Andrew Jones (SU), 5-4 (MC 3-0)
133 - Gary Atiyeh (SU) def. Lance Pitcel (MC), 5-4 (3-3)
141 - #2 Steve Fittery (SU) def. Braxdon Scaletta (MC), MD 9-1 (SU 7-3)
149 - #3 Brian Pogel (MC) def. Rob Cross (SU), Fall 1:49 (MC 9-7)
157 - #8 Andy Lamancusa (MC) def. Dan Nauman (SU), 12-10 SV1 (MC 12-7)
165 - #6 Hudson Harrison (MC) def. Zach Hogentogler (SU), MD 10-0 (MC 16-7)
174 - Chris Barrick (SU) def. Trevor Delahoy (MC), Fall 4:21 (MC 16-13)
184 - Jon Hade (SU) win by forfeit (SU 19-16)
197 - Trevor Gallo (MC) win by forfeit (MC 22-19)
HWT - Kenny Bluska (MC) def. Jon Rhone (SU), Fall 4:44 (MC 28-19)