ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Freshman Jacob Paulson (Erie, PA/McDowell) has advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Southeast Regional hosted by Ferrum College at Franklin High School on Friday.
After day one of competition, the Lions sit in 12th place out of 18 teams in their first appearance at the regional tournament. Paulson, wrestling at 184, pinned Triston Kechter of Averrett University in 1:42 and then posted an 8-5 decision against Rexx Hallyburton from W&L to guarantee another day on the mat and a chance to advance to the NCAA Championships
Competing at 197, Jacob Parsons (Titusville, PA/Maplewood) fell short of advancing to the semifinals. He pinned Jared Moone of Penn Tech in 3:52, before falling in the quarterfinals 12-6 to Edward Merrill of King's. Parsons came back in the consolation round with his second pin of the tournament, defeating Matt Speelman of Southern Virginia in 1:03 to stay in contention for a medal.
Jacob Lenhardt (McKean, PA/General McLane) posted a 2-3 record on the day at heavyweight. He started with a fall over Dia Gray of Averrett in 4:12, before falling down to the consolation bracket after a fall to Stefanos Karpontinis of York. Lenhardt then pinned Justin Justus of Hampden-Sydney in 3:37 and earned a technical fall (17-0) over Moustafa Almeky of Wilkes. His final match turned out to be a 4-0 loss to Dylan Otis of Penn Tech.
Behrend returns to action tomorrow at the final day of the NCAA Southeast Regionals.