Pioneers Rally to Down MNE on the Mats

The Alfred State College Wrestling team rallied from a 24-13 deficit with victories in the final three matches to earn a 28-24 win over Mercyhurst North East.  The Pioneers improve to 2-3-1 overall and 2-2-1 in WNYAC action.

Eric Giles (Vestal) pinned Brandon Ward in the 184 lb. match to make it 24-19.  TJ Nelson (Somers) received a forfeit victory at 197 to give the Pioneers the lead 25-24 heading into the final match of the evening.  Ben Hoffman (Gouveneur) earned a 5-1 decision at heavyweight over Julio Trujullo to seal the victory.

The evening started with each team trading forfeits at 125 and 133.  Eric Shedden (Canton, PA) earned a 7-2 victory at 141 followed by a 12-0 victory by Darren Whittall (Starpoint) at 149 to give the Pioneers a 13-6 lead.  ASC forfeited the next two matches (157 & 165) and Tony Mack recorded a pin at 174 to build the Saints lead to 24-13 before the blue & gold rallied.

Alfred State closes out the 2009-10 regular season on Sunday when they take on Niagara CCC in Sanborn, NY.  Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. 

The 2010 Northeast District I/Region III Championship tournament will be held on Feb. 14 at the Orvis Activities Center beginning at 10 a.m.