WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University wrestling team hosted rival Stevens Saturday afternoon for a matchup at the Marts Center with the Ducks claiming a close victory 22-17.
 
The Colonels (1-1) struggled to manage much early against the No. 9 Ducks (1-4), though came within striking distance later in the match. 

After Wilkes started with a forfeit win at heavyweight, the Ducks took the next five in the afternoon to take a commanding lead in the match with the Colonels.  The Navy and Gold struggled to find points until senior Liam Flaherty (Needmore, PA/Southern Fulton) netted a 10-7 decision at 165 pounds.  Sophomore James Geiger (Dallas, PA/Dallas) kept the Colonels' hopes alive at 174 pounds with a 6-4 decision, while junior John Devito (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) earned a tech fall at 3:20 to bring the Colonels within striking distance in the last bout.

Senior Moustafa Almeky (Shavertown, PA/Dallas) wrestled Michael Dooley, No. 4/3 in the nation at 197-pounds, with the matchup on the line.  He hung close after the first three minutes, behind 2-1 early.  He tied it after the second period at 2-2.  Almeky fell behind 3-2 early in the last minutes and couldn't overcome the deficit as the Colonels fell just short.
 
The Colonels are scheduled to return to action next Sunday at home once again to conclude their schedule.  They host conference foe Alvernia with a noon start time at the Marts Center.
 
Stevens 22, WU 17
285 – N. Rauch (W) wins by forfeit
125 – A. Finateri (S) dec. N. Bauer (W) 6-3
133 – L. Hoerle (S) dec. J. Bauer (W) 6-2
141 – K. Slendorn (S) major dec. M. Richardson (W) 15-4
149 – B. Kaliner (S) tech fall A. Kokilananda (W) 25-9 (4:52)
157 – N. Boggiano (S) major decision C. Dix (W) 8-0
165 – L. Flaherty (W) dec. J. Schneider (S) 10-7
174 – J. Geiger (W) dec. J. Martsinovsky (S) 6-4
184 – J. Devito (W) tech fall N. Ziccardi (S) 19-3 (3:20)
197 – M. Dooley (S) dec. M. Almeky (W) 3-2
 
Exhibitions:
149 – P. Vizzoni (S) major dec. F. Gabriel (W) 13-4
141 – B. Horton (W) fall W. Fernandez (S) 2:10
157 – J. Schechtman (S) dec. J. Shaw (W) 6-1
125 – M. Martin (W) tech fall A. Finateri (S) 18-2 (5:00)
174/184 – J. Martsinovsky (S) fall B. Mitchell (W) 2:05
184 – N. Ziccardi (S) fall A. Perez (W) 4:00
165 – J. Schneider (S)  tech fall T. Duboff (W) 17-0 (3:17)
149 – P. Vizzoni (S) dec. A. Kokilanada (W) 9-2
141 – M. Richardson (W) fall W. Fernandez (S) 0:31
141 – T. Mastorio (S) dec. B. Horton (W) 5-3 SV-1