ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University wrestling team lost eight-straight bouts this evening to fall to No.12 Ashland, 31-7.  Senior Fred Hale beat Jacob Southwick who is the No.3 grappler in the nation with a major decision.
 
The loss drops the Lakers to 12-5 on the season and marks their first loss since Jan.21 when they fell to Newberry College during the Super Region I Duals.  The Eagles improve to 9-1-1 with their only loss coming to Gannon University on Jan.6.
 
Sophomore Michael Pollard broke the Eagles eight-bout win streak with a 12-4 major decision win over Joseph Brandt.  Pollard started the match strong registering a takedown, which turned into three back points.  In the second period the 197-pounder's traded reversal points before the horn sounded for the third and final period.  The Corry, Pa. native took control in the last period, breaking the grasp of Brandt for an escape then scoring quickly with a takedown.   Pollards win marks his fourth major decision win of the season and his 23^rd win overall. 
 
The 285lb match featured two nationally ranked grapplers.  Hale is ranked No.7 while his opponent, Southwick is ranked third.  The two heavyweights went toe-to-toe in the first period but were unable to score any points. The Mentor, Ohio native then used a hard takedown that turned into back points to go up on Southwick, 4-0 in the second period.  Hale stretched his lead to 6-1 in the third period with another takedown but the No.3 wrestler in the nation made a comeback scoring on an escape then a takedown bringing him within two points of Hale.  The Lakers 285-pounder slipped out of the grasp of Southwick in the final moments of the match to earn reversal points, sealing his 9-4 win.
 
The Lakers return to action tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center as they honor their seniors in what will be their last home dual meet of the season.  Mercyhurst will compete against regional foe, Shippensburg University.  The Lakers hold a 10-0 all-time series advantage heading into the match.

 
Ashland 31, Mercyhurst 7:
125: Brandon Davis (AU) won by decision Ryan Bohince (Mercyhurst) 7-3               
133: Adli Edwards (AU) won in overtime Kody Young (Mercyhurst) 7-5                  
141: Clarence Longley (AU) won by decision Jeremy Landowski (Mercyhurst) 4-1      
149: Marc Hoff (Ashland) won by decision Michael Griffith (Mercyhurst) 8-5                   
157: Daniel Genetin (Ashland) won by major decision Anthony D`Urso (Mercyhurst) 12-4
165: Thomas Graszl (Ashland) won by decision Adam Lamancusa (Mercyhurst) 3-2
174: Bryson Hall (Ashland) won by pin August Mizia (Mercyhurst) 2:34
184: Kurt Schaefer (Ashland) won by pin Eric Fulmer (Mercyhurst) 3:45
197: Michael Pollard (Mercyhurst) won by major decision Joseph Brandt (Ashland) 12-4
285: Fred Hale (Mercyhurst) won by decision Jacob Southwick (Ashland) 9-4