WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The No. 19-ranked West Liberty University wrestling team went toe-to-toe with No. 3 Pitt-Johnstown on Wednesday night inside the ASRC, falling just short in an intense 18–17 battle that came down to the heavyweight finale.
The Hilltoppers held a slim 17–13 advantage heading into the final two bouts after a string of impressive performances from their young lineup. However, the visiting Mountain Cats closed strong at 197 and 285 to narrowly escape with the one-point victory.
West Liberty opened the dual in dominant fashion as Caiden Harbert set the tone at 125 pounds, posting a 10–0 major decision over Pepper Martin to give the Hilltoppers an early 4–0 lead. The energy continued at 133, where James Armstrong Jr. earned a gritty 4–1 sudden-victory win, extending the WLU lead to 7–0.
At 141, Khyvon Grace delivered another bonus-point effort, rolling to an 11–3 major decision that pushed the Hilltoppers' advantage to 11–0. Pitt-Johnstown got on the board with a win at 149, but Nico Taddy answered at 157, pulling out a tense 2–1 decision victory by riding time to make it 14–3 West Liberty midway through the dual.
Bodie Morgan added a 10–6 decision at 165 to stretch the Hilltoppers' lead to 17–3 before the nationally ranked Mountain Cats began their rally. UPJ claimed the final four bouts — including close decisions at 174 and 184 before bonus-point wins at 197 and 285 — to edge out the comeback victory.
Despite the narrow setback, the performance showcased West Liberty's depth, toughness, and ability to compete with one of the nation's elite programs.
The Hilltoppers return to action Friday as they visit Millersville at 3 p.m.
125: Caiden Harbert (WLU) over Pepper Martin (UPJ) (MD 10-0)
133: James Armstrong Jr. (WLU) over Brady Baker (UPJ) (SV-1 4-1)
141: Khyvon Grace (WLU) over Chad Ozias (UPJ) (MD 11-3)
149: Matthew Sarbo (UPJ) over Tony Wood (WLU) (SV-2 15-9)
157: Nico Taddy (WLU) over Cooper Warshel (UPJ) (Dec 1-1)
165: Bodie Morgan (WLU) over Gavyn Beck (UPJ) (Dec 10-6)
174: Trent Hoover (UPJ) over Carter Winegardner (WLU) (Dec 3-1)
184: Noah Gnibus (UPJ) over Devon Bell (WLU) (Dec 16-13)
197: Bradley Morrison (UPJ) over Gabe Blissenbach (WLU) (TF 19-4 6:21)
285: Isaiah Vance (UPJ) over Parker Bentley (WLU) (MD 10-2)
