WAYNESBURG, Pa. (December 18) – The Waynesburg University men's wrestling team was edged 24-20 by Hiram in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) dual meet opener for both squads at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse on Wednesday afternoon.

Hiram, who is in its first season as a member of the PAC in wrestling moves to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the PAC. Waynesburg falls to 0-8, 0-1 PAC.

The meet featured a double forfeit at 125 pounds. Waynesburg did not contest 133 while Hiram did not have a competitor at 184. In the eight bouts that were contested, both teams emerged with four victories.

After falling behind 15-0, Waynesburg scored a major decision win at 157 pounds as Seth Evans (Sharon, Pa. / Sharon) triumphed 15-5 over Kaelon Lawson-West.

Jacob Wilson (Wills Point, Texas / Princeton) also notched a major decision with a 14-3 score at 174 pounds against Hiram's Jimmy Thomas.

Jessie Orbin (Houston, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) collected a forfeit at 184 pounds to bring the margin to 18-14 with two weight classes to go.

The 197-pound bout between Ayden Bishoff (Kingwood, W.Va. / Preston) and Jaden Bell went down to the final period. Trailing by two points, Bishoff was pursuing a go-ahead takedown but unfortunately was pinned in the final minute of the third period.

Austin Fleming (Parkersburg, W. Va. / Parkersburg) closed the match with a second period fall (4:38) over Hiram's Michael Hopson

The Jackets return to action on Jan. 4 at the Fairmont State Invitational.