WASHINGTON, Pa. (Jan. 17) – The Saint Vincent College wrestling team was defeated, 29-20, at defending Presidents' Athletic Conference co-champion Washington & Jefferson.
The Bearcats (2-7, 1-1 PAC) earned four bonus point wins, but saw the Presidents win the final two matches of the night to break a 20-20 tie and pull away for the victory.
The evening started with the 285-pound match, and SVC senior
Jake Beistel staked the Bearcats out to a 6-0 lead with a pin over Trevor Manley in 5:30. Beistel's third pin of the season moved his record to 7-1.
The Bearcats promptly added onto the lead, with
Sean Cain earning a 17-9 major decision over Michael Cruz in the 125-pound match for his 10th victory of the season.
W&J secured the next four matches to take a 20-10 lead, but the Bearcats charged back. Reigning PAC Newcomer of the Week
Chase Brandebura closed the gap to 20-16 with a pin over Kevin Courseault in 1:29 to earn his 10th win of the season, before
Logan Bechtold posted an impressive 13-3 major decision at 174 pounds over Adam Zerbee to tie the match at 20-20.
The Presidents, however, would win the final two matches of the night at 184 and 197 pounds to pull out the win.
Saint Vincent will look to bounce back when it returns to action on Friday, Jan. 19, traveling to Ohio to take on Hiram in a non-conference dual beginning at 7 p.m.
