Notre Dame Grapplers Felled by Palmerton

Notre Dame wrestlers were felled by pins and close decisions as the visiting Palmerton Blue Bombers beat the Crusaders 42-30 in Bethlehem Township Monday night.

The battle started at 130 pounds, and Palmerton got that win by forfeit.

In the 135 pound realm, Crusader junior Mark Boehm dropped a 5-2 decision. After another forfeit win at 140 pounds for the Bombers, junior Victor Embardino notched Notre Dame's first points with a forfeit win.

Notre Dame freshman Tanner Thomas lost by pinfall in the 152 pound region, victimized by a quick cradle move in the first period.

Junior Jon Blank recorded the Crusaders' first pin, catching his opponent with a quick takedown for the victory just 44 seconds in.

Crusaders' junior Adam Stoerrle fought hard at 171 pounds but was pinned with seven seconds to go in the second period.

The most exciting match of the evening was fought in the 189 pound division.

Notre Dame sophomore Sean Williams scored on an early escape and held that one point lead until the third when Palmerton’s Jarrett Kleintop executed a reversal that gave the Bombers a 2-1 decision.

The 215 pound match was another tight match as Notre Dame's Dennis Atiyeh dropped a 1-0 decision to Palmertons' Kane Kralik, with Kralik scoring on an escape.

The heavyweight division featured sophomore Michael Williams who dominated his opponent for a second period pin that drew Notre Dame closer.

Crusader freshman Dylan Jones won by forfeit at 103 pounds leading to an exciting matchup at 112 pounds.

Notre Dame sophomore Seever Hoyak battled out of a pin attempt after a waistlock takedown put him on his back. But his late comeback fell short and he lost by decision 4-2.

Tony Mazzante scored the Crusaders' fifth win with a forfeit in the 119 pound region.

With Notre Dame trailing by six, it came down to the 125 pound confrontation between the Crusaders' Jerry Pascucci and Palmertons' Dillon Massington.

Massington ruined the drama for Crusader fans quickly, pinnng Pascucci with strength and quickness to preserve the win for Palmerton who is now 5-4 on the season.

Blue Bomber's coach Dave Lavin was happy with the win." We have an aggressive style, and when you get an opponent in position, you have to pin him, and we did that."

Crusaders' coach Dennis Fenton saw his team drop to 4-7. "We have to fight out of pins better, and we have to figure out how to win the close matches."