Greenville, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford wrestling team faced a tough challenge on Friday evening, as they traveled to Thiel for a dual match with the Tomcats. The Panthers struggled early on and lost the match 42-12.

The Panthers were unable to find their footing in the lower weight classes as they lost the first 8 bouts, with 5 of them coming by pin or forfeit.

Pitt-Bradford was able to get on the board in the final two bouts of the match. Colton Gietler picked up a big win at 197, pinning his opponent in 1:55. That victory was followed by another from Gavin Thompson at 285. Thompson fought off an early deficit and was able to escape from a near fall before turning the tables and eventually winning his match by pin at the 6:15 mark.

The Panthers will have a week to recover, before wrestling in the Jamestown Open tournament on Sunday, January 28th.