Sixth-ranked Mercyhurst University climbed out to an 11-4 lead, then got wins in the final two bouts to break a 17-17 tie and defeat the eighth-ranked Mountain Cats, 23-17, in Thursday's Second Round of the Consolations of the Division II National Duals in Fort Wayne, IN.  The loss eliminated Pitt-Johnstown from the tournament and dropped the Mountain cats to 7-2 on the year.
 
Mercyhurst raced out to an 8-0 lead with No. 2-ranked Willie Bohince's technical fall victory over Zeke Beatty at 124 lbs. and Jeff Sisk's 7-6 decision over Joe Davis at 133 lbs.
 
Chris Eddins' 13-2 major decision win at 141 lbs. got the Mountain Cats on the scoreboard, but Logan Grass defeated Corey Falleroni, 7-3, at 149 lbs. to put the Lakers in front, 11-4.
 
The teams exchanged six points each in the next two bouts.  Pitt-Johnstown's Steve Edwards pinned Cole Gavin at 2:52 at 157 lbs., but No. 1-ranked Francis Mizia won by forfeit at 165 lbs. to give Mercyhurst a 17-11 advantage.
 
The Mountain Cats battled back to knot it at 17 with decision wins from No 11 John Blankenship at 174 lbs. and Levi Niebauer at 174 lbs.
 
However, Jamar Henry's 5-1 win over Tyler Oliver at 197 lbs. gave the lead back to the Lakers, and fifth-ranked Andy Welton used a third period escape and a riding time point to hold off No. 11 D.J. Sims at 285 lbs. and seal the 23-17 win.
 
Mercyhurst improved to 3-1 on the season and advances to wrestle on Friday.
 
The Mountain Cats return home to host Lake Erie (OH) College on January 13 and Seton Hill University on January 18.  Both home matches are schedule to start at 7 p.m. in the Sports Center.