LANCASTER, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall wrestling team got out to a 3-0 lead against EIWA foe Drexel inside the Mayser Center on Saturday night and closed the dual by winning three of the final four bouts. Nevertheless, it was the Dragons who controlled the middle weights during a 23-13 final in their favor.

Mason Leiphart picked up his team-leading 21st victory of the season starting off the dual at 125 lbs. He hit a Jonesy tilt for a takedown and four back points early in the first period and used that strong start to pave the way to a 9-6 decision which gave the Diplomats a 3-0 advantage. With his latest win, F&M's first-year improved to 7-1 during his rookie campaign in dual meet competition.

The Dragons countered by winning the next five bouts to claim a 20-3 advantage on the scoreboard. Pat Phillips (133 lbs.) and Aidan O'Shea (141 lbs.) both fell by decisions as Phillips trailed 3-2 late before his opponent added a takedown and subsequent riding point time. O'Shea was leading 6-5 after a third period takedown, but a reversal for the lead and eventual riding time point gave his opponent the 8-6 victory. Drexel extended its lead with three consecutive bonus point victories from 149 to 165 lbs., including a pair of tough battles against nationally-ranked wrestlers in the Drexel lineup.

Noah Fox got his team back in the win column at 174 lbs. as he used two first period takedowns to defeat Cody Walsh by a 4-3 score and record his 19th victory this season. James Conway gave No. 25 Brian Bonino all he could handle at 184 lbs. as the Diplomats' sophomore dropped a 3-2 bout and was chasing the winning takedown as time expired.

Franklin & Marshall got bonus points of its own at 197 lbs. from John Crawford. Trailing 2-1 after a reversal and escape during the second period, the F&M junior took his opponent down to his back and got four near fall before the buzzer to go up 7-2. He would add an escape, second takedown, and riding time for the eventual 11-2 major decison win as he too improved to 7-1 overall in dual meets with his 19th win of the year.

Cenzo Pelusi capped the dual with a sudden victory win at heavyweight. Closing the dual, the two wrestlers exchanged escapes during their respective choices in the second and third periods. Pelusi did earn a stall call against his opponent after tying the match at one in the third period. That call loomed large during the two-minute sudden victory as his opponent was warned for stalling again just over 20 seconds into the extra time, conceding a penalty point and the match in a 2-1 win for the Diplomats' senior. Pelusi is now 10-4 on the year and moved to a perfect 4-0 in dual meet competition.

Wrestling will wrap up this portion of the team's home schedule this coming Wednesday, January 18 when the Diplomats welcome Gettysburg to the Mayser Center. That match is set for a 7 p.m. start and will also be Senior Day as the team. Prior to the match, the Diplomats will recognize Jack Bruce, Chris Hisey, Cenzo Pelusi, and Nick Tewell for their contributions to the team over the past four seasons.

Drexel 23, Franklin & Marshall 13
125: Mason Leiphart (F&M) dec. Antonio Mininno (Drexel); 9-6 (F&M 3-0)
133: Kyle Waterman (Drexel) dec. Pat Phillips (F&M); 6-2 (Tied 3-3)
141: Jordan Soriano (Drexel) dec. Aidan O'Shea (F&M); 8-6 (Drexel 6-3)
149: #26 Luke Nichter (Drexel) maj. Bryce Kresho (F&M); 10-2 (Drexel 10-3)
157: Tyler Williams (Drexel) TF Nick Alvarez (F&M); 5:22 (15-0) (Drexel 15-3)
165: #27 Evan Barczak (Drexel) TF RJ Moore (F&M); 6:10 (17-2) (Drexel 20-3)
174: Noah Fox (F&M) dec. Cody Walsh (Drexel); Dec 4-3 (Drexel 20-6)
184: #25 Brian Bonino (Drexel) dec. James Conway (F&M); 3-2 (Drexel 23-6)
197: John Crawford (F&M) maj. Sean O`Malley (Drexel); 11-2 (Drexel 23-10)
285: Cenzo Pelusi (F&M) dec. Santino Morina (Drexel); 2-1 (SV-1) (Drexel 23-13)