The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford wrestling team began its first-ever NCAA Division III season with a dual meet at Penn State-Behrend on Nov. 2.

Since then, Pitt-Bradford has competed in two more events, both of different formats: the Washington & Jefferson Invitational (Nov. 10) and the John Carroll Duals (Nov. 18).

At Behrend, the second-year program defeated the Panthers, 28-17.

But Pitt-Bradford started its program on the right foot. One bout, one win, as Elijah Hernandez (133) earned the first win in program history, digging deep for an overtime decision win at 8-7. 

Derek Ridgeway grabbed the second win of the day for the Panthers at 165, a 14-2 major decision. 

Pitt-Bradford earned the final two matchups of the meet as Mitch Dowd earned the first pin in Panthers history, downing his 197 opponent in just 51 seconds to bring the overall score to 28-13.

Sam Colebert sent the Panthers home on a high note with a 9-2 major decision in the heavyweight matchup, wearing down his opponent and pushing through a tough match.

Action at John Carroll was highlighted by Mitch Dowd's standout performance. The sophomore was the top performer for in his weight class in the entire event, the only wrestler competing in the 197 class to go a perfect 4-0 on the day.

First Home Dual Meet Set For Feb. 6

The Panthers will have one more shot against Penn State-Behrend in the 2018-19 campaign.

Pitt-Bradford will host the Lions at the KOA Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 6, for its first-ever home dual meet.

The meet will close out action in the inaugural regular season for Pitt-Bradford.

Feb. 6 is not the first home action of the season for Pitt-Bradford, as the Panthers will host Thiel and Brockport for a tri-meet on Saturday, Jan. 12.