Freshman John Trumbetti got the Bald Eagles off to a terrific start tonight after he picked up a 12-0 major decision at 125 pounds vs. Pitt.

PITTSBURGH – The Lock Haven University wrestling team (6-4, 0-1 EWL) lost 24-13 to the No. 20 University of Pittsburgh Panthers (9-2, 2-0 EWL) tonight on the road in Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) action.

The match marked the Bald Eagles first EWL dual of the season.

In tonight’s opening bout at 125 pounds, freshman John Trumbetti (Montvale, N.J./St. Joseph Regional) dominated Pittsburgh’s Brad Gentzle from the opening whistle on his way to a 12-0 major decision.

With 42 seconds left in the first period, Trumbetti scored a takedown and quickly picked up two near fall points. He led 4-0 after the first and 10-0 after two periods as the Bald Eagle rookie scored six near falls points during the second period of action.

At 133 freshman Billy Ashnault (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) dropped a 6-1 decision to Pitt’s Jimmy Conroy.

At 141 redshirt-junior Clint Shirk (Julian, Pa./Bald Eagle) fell to 2007 All-American Drew Headlee of Pitt 12-0.

Redshirt-junior Matt Fittery (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) picked up a big win for LHU at 149.

Trailing 3-1 late in the second Fittery scored a takedown and nearly pinned Pittsburgh’s Joe Ciampoli, while grabbing three near fall points. Fittery continued to dominate Ciampoli scoring on another takedown in the final period, eventually winning 9-3 tying the match at 7-7 after four bouts.

Freshman John Mangini (Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough) lost to No. 4 Matt Kocher of Pittsburgh 17-5 at 157 pounds.

At 165 sophomore Landis Wright (Wingate, Pa./Bald Eagle) edged Ethan Headlee 4-3. With just over a minute left in the second period Wright scored a reversal and two quick back points, providing all the scoring he needed to down Headlee.

At 174 senior Mike Metzger (Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin) was pinned (6:31) by Keith Gavin, the nation’s top ranked 174-pounder.

Junior Tom Kocher (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) lost 6-0 at 184 pounds.

At 197 sophomore Jeremie Cook (Venice, Fla./Venice) used a takedown just seconds into overtime to top Dave Crowell 7-5. Trailing late in the match Cook used a strong takedown to tie things at 5-5 forcing extra time.

Freshman Dan Craig (Paw Paw, Mich./Allegan) closed out the match at 285 with a loss to Ryan Tomei.

The Bald Eagles return to action on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. when they host Edinboro University in EWL action.

PITT 24 – LHU 13

Individual results, bout-by-bout:

125: John Trumbetti (LHU) major dec. Brad Gentzle (PITT) 12-0

133: Jimmy Conroy (PITT) dec. Billy Ashnault (LHU) 6-1

141: Drew Headlee (PITT) major dec. Clint Shirk (LHU) 12-0

149: Matt Fittery (LHU) dec. Joe Ciampoli (PITT) 9-3

157: #4 Matt Kocher (PITT) major dec. John Mangini (LHU) 17-5

165: Landis Wright (LHU) dec. Ethan Headlee (PITT) 4-3

174: #1 Keith Gavin (PITT) pinned Mike Metzger (LHU) 6:31

184: Dave Sullivan (PITT) dec. Tom Kocher (LHU) 6-0

197: Jeremie Cook (LHU) dec. Dave Crowell (PITT) 7-5

285: Ryan Tomei (PITT) major dec. Dan Craig (LHU) 8-0