Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford wrestling team went 1-1 in the Pitt-Bradford tri-match on Saturday, setting a program record for points in a dual match along the way. They defeated Thaddeus Stevens 40-12 in the opening match but fell to Lycoming 18-36 in the event closer.
Pitt-Bradford 40 - Thaddeus Stevens 12
The Panthers set a program high for dual match points in their event opening win over Thaddeus Stevens. The Panthers were aided in their win by 5 Thaddeus Stevens forfeits but were able to pick up wins in 3 of the four contested matches.
Farhid Negahban got things started as he picked up his first collegiate victory at 149. Despite trailing on points, Negahban was able to flip his opponent over and force a pin at 3:53 to put the Panthers ahead. After Elijah Hernandez picked up a victory by injury withdrawal, Victor Elias sealed the match with a dominating 17-5 major decision victory at 174.
Pitt-Bradford 18 - Lycoming 36
In the final match of the event, the Panthers were able to jump ahead of the Lycoming Warriors early but were unable to hold on as the guests battled back to earn the team victory. Due to mandated break times, the match began at the 157 lb. weight class.
After a Panther forfeit at 157, Pitt-Bradford quickly took the lead on the strength of three straight victories. Tyler Newton got things started as he was able to outlast his opponent at 165, winning by a 5-2 decision. The Panthers then picked up maximum points at 174 and 184, as Victor Elias and Nathan Powley both picked up victories by pin. Elias pinned his opponent at 174 in 3:44, while Powley picked up a late victory with a third-round pin at 5:41. This put the Panthers up 15-6 after four events.
Following the Powley win, Lycoming was able to win 5 straight matches by pin or forfeit to vault into the lead. However, the Panthers were able to close the day on a victory. Wrestling at 149, Elijah Hernandez was able to score in the third period to earn a 7-3 victory by decision.
The Panthers will close their regular season next Thursday, as they will host Penn State-Behrend on Senior Day. The action is scheduled to begin after a short Senior Day ceremony, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
