No. 8 AU Grapplers Top Panthers, No. 25 Lakers In Home Tri

The No. 8-ranked Ashland University wrestling team was primed and ready for its first home dual in nearly two full years.
 
And the Eagles didn't disappoint themselves or the home fans on Saturday (Dec. 4) at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium, as they defeated Davenport, 41-8, then No. 25 Mercyhurst in comeback fashion, 27-14.
 
"Being the first dual of the year, and my first dual at home, I want to see some excitement, see the fans get into it, see our guys get into it," said Ashland head coach Colt Sponseller. "It was a fun match to be at.
 
"Our guys enjoy duals. Our guys get into it. Nothing better than that."
 
WHAT HAPPENED

• The dual against the Lakers had Ashland trailing 9-4 after the first three matchups, but the Eagles then caught fire, taking the next six decisions. Highlighting that run was a come-from-behind overtime victory from junior 174-pounder Daniel Beemer, 7-5.
• "Just being able to rock it out in Kates has been great over two quality teams," Beemer said. "Coach tells us, 'focus on what you can control.' I got taken down, had to fight back, win in overtime. I'm excited to watch us, and I saw how the guys reacted. We're a family here."
• In the dual against Davenport, it was a unique start, as each of the first five bouts ended in technical falls.
• Senior Aidan Pasiuk was 2-0 with a pin and a major decision on Saturday, and Beemer was 2-0 with a tech fall. Other 2-0 Eagles on Saturday were sophomore Cael Woods at 125, senior Carson Speelman at 149 (one tech fall), senior Chance Esmont at 157 (one tech fall), junior Drew Wiechers at 165 (tech fall, major decision), and sophomore Walker Uhl at 197 (one pin).
• "Up and down the lineup, I was happy with how we competed," Sponseller said. "Guys came ready to wrestle today, and that's what we want to see."

 
UP NEXT
Ashland will be back on the mats on Sunday (Dec. 5) at the Lake Erie Storm Open.
 
NO. 8 ASHLAND UNIVERSITY 41, DAVENPORT 8
141 – Tyson Emmons (DU) tech. fall Josh Jaeckin (AU), 17-0                                       DU, 5-0
149 – Carson Speelman (AU) tech. fall Spencer Arnold (DU), 17-1                             5-5 tie
157 – Chance Esmont (AU) tech. fall Marco Moore (DU), 18-2                                    AU, 10-5
165 – Drew Wiechers (AU) tech. fall Ashton Goff (DU), 17-0                                       AU, 15-5
174 – Daniel Beemer (AU) tech. fall Matt Whitcomb (DU), 21-3                                  AU, 20-5
184 – Aidan Pasiuk (AU) pinned Jackson Nevadomski (DU), 1:09                             AU, 26-5
197 – Walker Uhl (AU) dec. Crue Cooper (DU), 7-6                                                      AU, 29-5
285 – River Fox (DU) dec. Ty Petrey (AU), 8-1                                                                AU, 29-8
125 – Cael Woods (AU) wins by forfeit                                                                            AU, 35-8
133 – Tyler Masters (AU) wins by forfeit                                                                         AU, 41-8
 
NO. 8 ASHLAND UNIVERSITY 27, NO. 25 MERCYHURST 14
125 – Cael Woods (AU) maj. dec. Jacob Ruggeri (MU), 15-2                                        AU, 4-0
133 – Eric Bartos (MU) pinned Tyler Masters (AU) 4:37                                               MU, 6-4
141 – Alexis Soriano (MU) dec. Josh Jaeckin (AU), 12-8                                                MU, 9-4
149 – Carson Speelman (AU) dec. Alex Samson (MU), 7-2                                           MU, 9-7
157 – Chance Esmont (AU) dec. Max Stedeford (MU), 8-4                                           AU, 10-9
165 – Drew Wiechers (AU) maj. dec. Spencer Head (MU), 12-3                                   AU, 14-9
174 – Daniel Beemer (AU) dec. Dillon Walker (MU), 7-5 OT                                       AU, 17-9
184 – Aidan Pasiuk (AU) maj. dec. Luke McGonigal (MU), 12-4                                 AU, 21-9
197 – Walker Uhl (AU) pinned Brent Burbules (MU), 5:24                                           AU, 27-9
285 – Jacob Robb (MU) tech. fall Ty Petrey (AU), 17-0                                                  AU, 27-14