Match Results
 
WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Dec. 14) – The Waynesburg University wrestling team nearly pulled off its second upset of a top-20 Division II team this season when eighth-ranked Mercyhurst came to the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
 
The Yellow Jackets built up a 15-3 lead after the first five bouts of the night and held a three-point advantage going into the heavyweight bout. Unfortunately, the Lakers' Fred Hale, who is ranked seventh in Division II, scored a decisive pin to give Mercyhurst a 21-18 win. The loss drops Waynesburg to 2-5 on the year, while the Lakers move to 1-0 in dual competition.
 
The Jackets took a 3-0 lead to open the match thanks a 4-3 decision win courtesy of junior 125-pounder Alex Crown. After Mercyhurst tied the contest at 3-3 with a win at 133, Waynesburg rolled off three-straight victories. Freshman Aaron Mills got the ball rolling with an 8-4 win over senior Levi Smeltzer, and he was followed by freshman Chris Milligan downing Michael Griffith 8-4. Senior Garett Johnston continued a strong start to his year by pinning freshman Ryan Martini in 1:24 to give the home team a 15-3 lead going into intermission.
 
Mercyhurst looked poised to take a big bite out of the deficit as three-time All-American and former national champion Josh Shields took to the mat to face Waynesburg sophomore Sam Lombardo. Lombardo wasn't scared of his highly accomplished opponent and tied the bout at 4-4 going into the final moments of the contest. Unfortunately, Shields got the final two points of the matchup and added a riding point for a 7-4 win.
 
That was the first of three-straight wins for the Lakers, who tied the match at 15-15 going into the 197-pound bout. Freshman Patrick Jennings was able to stop the bleeding for Waynesburg and give the Jackets the lead back with a solid 7-1 victory. Unfortunately, Hale's victory ended up spoiling Waynesburg's home opener and a near upset.
 
The Yellow Jackets are off until this weekend when they will travel to New Orleans to take part in the Gator Duals. Waynesburg will face four more tough opponents in Loras (Iowa), Morningside (Iowa, ranked ninth in NAIA), Luther (Iowa, ranked 11^th in Division III) and Elmhurst (Ill. Ranked 10^th in Division III). All four matches will take place on Sunday, Dec. 18, with the first contest against Loras starting at 9 a.m.