LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall's wrestling team battled early, but was ultimately overmatched by Drexel in a 30-6 defeat on Saturday evening at the Mayser Center. The Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) loss dropped the Diplomats to 2-7 on the season, while the Dragons improved to 7-10.

Before the match, F&M honored its four-member senior class of Isaiah Cromwell, Alex Henry, Robert Ruiz and Adam Schroeder. 

Saturday's contest began at 165, with Drexel rattling off a pair of decisions, followed by a major decision at 184 to take the early 10-0 lead. Charles Kerkesner put a brief halt to the Dragon's momentum at 197, securing a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory.

The Diplomats' junior grappler took the lead with an escape in the final period and avoided a takedown in the final 13 seconds to secure the win. 

Drexel rolled from that point, earning five consecutive wins for the decisive 27-point advantage heading into the final bout. Rob King ended the final home match of the season on a positive note at 157, outscoring his opponent by a 5-1 score in the second period to hang on for the 6-1 decision. 

Just two matches remain on F&M's schedule until the EIWA Championships. The Diplomats return to the mat on Friday, traveling to Bucknell for a 7:00 p.m. dual. 

Drexel 30, Franklin & Marshall 6

165: Nicholas Elmer (DREX) over Andy Francos (F&M) (Dec 10-6)

174: Stephen Loiseau (DREX) over Gordon Bolig (F&M) (Dec 5-3)

184: Alexander DeCiantis (DREX) over Anthony Mancini (F&M) (MD 19-7)

197: Charles Kerkesner (F&M) over Brandon Litten (DREX) (TB-1 6-5)

285: Joseph Goodhart (DREX) over Alex Henry (F&M) (Dec 3-2)

125: Zachary Fuentes (DREX) over Edgar Garcia (F&M) (MD 11-2)

133: Franco Ferraina (DREX) over Patrick Quinlan (F&M) (Fall 6:28)

141: David Pearce (DREX) over Robert Ruiz (F&M) (Dec 6-0)

149: Matthew Cimato (DREX) over Jason Bing (F&M) (MD 10-1)

157: Rob King (F&M) over Ryan O`Connor (DREX) (Dec 6-1)