Feb. 22, 2007

Edmond, Okla. - The Mercyhurst wrestling team climbed two spots in the final NCAA Division II poll of the year, ending the season at No. 10 in the country.

Mercyhurst was picked No. 11 in preseason poll after finishing No. 9 a year ago. After a slow start to the year, the Lakers have slowly climbed in the poll on the strength of a nine match win streak. Although that streak was snapped in the final dual match of the regular season, the Lakers pulled off an impressive 18-18 tie with No. 5 Pitt-Johnstown to help them climb in the final poll.

The Lakers leapfrogged both Ashland and Western State (Colo.), two teams the Lakers have faced this year. Mercyhurst defeated Ashland 19-17 and lost to Western State 20-19 at the NWCA National Duals.

Individually, four wrestlers are ranked for the Lakers. Zack Schafer remained the No. 2 wrestler at the 174 weight class despite a loss to Pitt-Johnstown's Eli Garshnick, the No. 7 rated wrestler at that weight. J.J. Zanetta climbed three spots to No. 4 at 141 pounds after a victory over then-No. 2 Shane Valko of Pitt-Johnstown. Don Cummings remained No. 5 at 149 pounds, while freshman Andy Lamancusa entered the individual rankings at No. 8 at 157 pounds.

Mercyhurst will compete in the NCAA East Regionals Friday and Saturday at Pembroke, N.C. The Lakers have ended as the runner-up to Pitt-Johnstown in each of the past three seasons at the event.

Complete Rankings in PDF Format
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