HENNIKER, N.H. – Plymouth State University ran off three pins, but New England College got a key technical fall win to secure a narrow, 32-24 win over the Panthers in a wrestling dual meet at Bridges Gym on Wednesday.
 
The Pilgrims built up a 16-0 lead early, but graduate student Ty Miller (Groton, Conn.) and senior Chase Anestis (Belmont, N.H.) extended their outstanding seasons with a pair of pins and an NEC forfeit at heavyweight allowed Plymouth State to cut the deficit to 27-18 heading into the final two weight classes.
 
NEC used a technical fall win to secure the match, though freshman Brody McDonald (Salem, N.H.) closed out the match with a win by fall in the final bout.
 
PSU slides to 2-18 on the year, while the Pilgrims go to 3-16.
 
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 24, New England College 32
  • Plymouth State (2-18)
  • New England College (3-16)

How it Happened:

• The Pilgrims opened with pins at 141 and 149 pounds to take an early lead.
• Senior Nick Antonucci (Windham, N.H.) was locked in a scoreless match through the first period, but his opponent picked up steam in the middle period to come away with a 10-1 major decision.
• Anestis needed just 1:28 to get the pin at 165 pounds to start PSU's rally.
• NEC answered back with a technical fall victory, but Miller responded with a win by fall in 4:38.
• Senior Colin Hile (Walpole, Mass.) earned a forfeit win at heavyweight to cut PSU's deficit to 27-18 heading to the final two weight classes.
• Sophomore Cam McMahon (East Hampstead, N.H.) was locked in a low-scoring battle at 125 pounds, trailing 3-0 midway through the second period, but his opponent closed with a flurry for a technical fall win to secure the team victory.
• McDonald closed out the match with a pin at 133 pounds to account for the final score.

 
Up Next:

• Plymouth State heads to Western New England University for the NEWA Futures tournament on Sunday (Feb. 23).