WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Ohio Northern wrestling team opened the Lycoming (Pa.) National Duals with a 23-12 loss to the College of New Jersey on Friday morning and a 30-12 loss to No. 18-ranked Wesleyan (Conn.) Fridayafternoon at the Lamade Gymnasium.
The Polar Bears (5-7 overall) will now wrestle Oswego State (N.Y.) at 4:30 pm on Friday to compete Pool C round-robin competition.
Senior Gavin Nelson (Oregon/Clay) picked up a 4-2 decision at 157 and senior Alex Bair(Centerville) won by 6-1 decision at 184 pounds for Ohio Northern against the Lions (6-2).
Sophomore Nate Barcaskey (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) won by forfeit at heavyweight to make the final 23-12.
Against Wesleyan (3-2), Nelson again got Ohio Northern in the win column with a 4-2 decision at 157.
Senior Seth Meyer (Defiance) then picked up a 15-0 tech fall to get the Polar Bears within 15-8.
After a Cardinal win at 174, Bair got a 13-2 major decision to make it 18-12.
But Wesleyan wrapped up the match with pins by nationally-ranked wrestlers at 197 and 285 to seal the contest.
After Friday's pool play, ONU will wrestle twice on Saturday in the placement portion of the tournament.
