MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The Millersville wrestling team resumed PSAC dual competition against the Gannon Golden Knights, one of the top Division II programs in the nation. Gannon entered the matchup with six nationally ranked wrestlers among its 10 weight classes. Despite a tough 40–0 loss, the Marauders remained competitive throughout each bout, gaining valuable experience against elite-level opponents.
"The more you're out there facing that kind of competition, the more you notice the little things where you're just a step behind," said Head Coach Jerry Boland. "It gives us the chance to come back into the room and fix those areas. It's just a confidence thing right now, not that they don't believe in themselves, but just believing in themselves through their situations and finishing out."
Redshirt freshman Gavin Boland opened the dual at 125 pounds and quickly took an early lead with a takedown against the nation's No. 5 ranked wrestler. Boland maintained the advantage for much of the match before surrendering two take downs late, ultimately falling by decision.
At 133 pounds, No. 12 ranked Nick Cottone faced No. 3 ranked Jeremiah Echevarria. The bout remained close through the early portion of the first period before Echevarria gained momentum. Cottone made several takedown attempts in the final period but was unable to convert, resulting in a decision loss.
Freshman Michael Volek made his PSAC dual debut at 141 pounds against the nation's No. 8 ranked wrestler. Volek battled throughout the match but was ultimately defeated by pin.
Taylor Robinson jumped up to 149 pounds following injuries within the lineup. The redshirt senior delivered a strong performance, pushing the match into overtime with a 1–1 tie at the end of regulation. Robinson nearly secured a takedown in the closing moments of overtime, but Gannon earned a reversal to claim a sudden-victory decision.
Junior Nick Bennet made his first PSAC dual debut of the year at 157 pounds. Bennet opened the match with an early takedown and held the lead for much of the contest before Gannon rallied in the final two periods to earn a decision victory.
The 165-pound bout featured sophomore Chase Bish against No. 5 ranked Grant MacKay. The match was stopped after Bish sustained an injury, resulting in a win for Gannon.
Freshman Jack Weldon competed at 174 pounds in his first PSAC dual appearance. Weldon remained competitive throughout the match before surrendering a takedown in the final seconds of the third period, leading to a decision loss.
At 184 pounds, Avery Aurand faced the nation's No. 6 ranked wrestler. Aurand's day ended quickly as he was pinned early in the first period.
Redshirt freshman Jaxon Townsend took the mat at 197 pounds against Gannon's No. 11-ranked wrestler. Townsend nearly secured multiple takedowns in the opening period, but Gannon's Joey Lyons gained control and went on to win by major decision.
The dual concluded at 285 pounds with sophomore Kurt Scheuerman representing Millersville. The bout featured extended hand fighting and limited ground action. Scheuerman nearly earned a takedown late in the first period. After Gannon claimed a point with a second-period escape, Scheuerman elected to start neutral in the final period. Despite multiple takedown attempts, he was unable to score, and Gannon secured a decision victory.
Millersville dropped its third PSAC dual of the season, falling to Gannon by a final score of 40–0.
"Whether you win or lose, you have to put it behind you and move forward," Boland said. "You build on your wins and learn from your setbacks. We knew this was a tough stretch of our schedule, but our guys didn't back down. They believe in the process, and we'll be back to work on Monday."
The Marauders return to action next Saturday at 10 a.m. as they host the Millersville Duals. PSAC competition continues the following week when Millersville travels to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to face Seton Hill on January 30 and Pitt-Johnstown on January 31.
