ERIE, Pa. – The No. 23 West Liberty University men's wrestling team earned a split in Friday's tri-meet at Gannon, rolling past No. 19 East Stroudsburg, 36–12, before dropping a hard-fought dual to the host No. 3/7 Gannon Golden Knights, 21–13, inside the Highmark Events Center.

West Liberty 36, East Stroudsburg 12

West Liberty dominated its opening dual against East Stroudsburg, winning eight of 10 bouts, including four technical falls and a pin to secure the lopsided victory.

The Hilltoppers jumped out to a commanding start at the lower weights, as Logan Davis (125), James Armstrong Jr. (133) and Khyvon Grace (141) each posted technical falls to build early momentum. Anthony Wood (149) followed with a major decision before Nico Taddy (157) blanked his opponent, 7–0.

At 165 pounds, Jordan Watters delivered one of the dual's biggest moments, securing a fall at 2:47 to further extend the West Liberty lead. Carter Winegardner (174) added another technical fall, and Levi Abbott (197) sealed the team victory with a gritty one-point decision.

Gannon 21, West Liberty 13

Facing one of the nation's top programs in Gannon, the Hilltoppers battled throughout the lineup but came up just short in a competitive dual.

Davis opened the match with an impressive 5–1 decision over No. 6 Logan Sallot, setting the tone early. West Liberty answered again at 157, where Taddy posted a dominant 15–0 technical fall, and at 165, Watters earned a statement victory, knocking off No. 3 Grant MacKay in sudden victory, 5–2.

Winegardner continued his strong day at 174 pounds with a narrow 14–13 decision, but Gannon capitalized at several key weights, including bonus-point wins at 197 and heavyweight, to pull away late.

Next the Hilltoppers prepare for the Mountain East Conference Championship next Saturday at Glenville State. 

 

West Liberty vs East Stroudsburg 

 

125: Logan Davis (WLU) over Joshua Jasionowicz (ESU) (TF 20-3 5:11)

133: James Armstrong Jr (WLU) over Sean Campbell (ESU) (TF 15-0 2:50)

141: Khyvon Grace (WLU) over Joseph Aldrich (ESU) (TF 16-1 7:00)

149: Anthony Wood (WLU) over Austin Noe (ESU) (MD 15-2)

157: Nico Taddy (WLU) over Gavin Reynolds (ESU) (Dec 7-0)

165: Jordan Watters (WLU) over Joshua Montesino (ESU) (Fall 2:47)

174: Carter Winegardner (WLU) over Evan Raposo (ESU) (TF 17-2 3:37)

184: Luke Ciampa (ESU) over Devon Bell (WLU) (Fall 1:07)

197: Levi Abbott (WLU) over Max Winkler (ESU) (Dec 7-6)

285: Ajay Hiller (ESU) over Vincent Parke (WLU) (Fall 1:33)

WLU 36, ESU 12

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West Liberty vs Gannon 

 

125: Logan Davis (WLU) over Logan Sallot (GU) (Dec 5-1)

133: Jeremiah Echevarria (GU) over James Armstrong Jr (WLU) (Dec 6-2)

141: Jake Niffenegger (GU) over Khyvon Grace (WLU) (Dec 4-1)

149: Kenny Kiser (GU) over Anthony Wood (WLU) (Dec 5-2)

157: Nico Taddy (WLU) over Caleb Butterfield (GU) (TF 15-0 3:55)

165: Jordan Watters (WLU) over Grant MacKay (GU) (SV-1 5-2)

174: Carter Winegardner (WLU) over Dillon Walker (GU) (Dec 14-13)

184: Patrick Jackson (GU) over Devon Bell (WLU) (Dec 10-4)

197: Joey Lyons (GU) over Levi Abbott (WLU) (MD 12-1)

285: Dorian Crosby (GU) over Parker Bentley (WLU) (TF 18-3 6:01)

(WLU Unsportsmanlike -1.0)

GU - 21, WLU - 13 

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.