Findlay, Ohio – In a dual meet that featured five lead changes and ranked matchups, the University of Findlay wrestling team fell to the No. 10 Ashland University Eagles by a final score of 27-18 on Sunday, Feb. 8 in Croy Gymnasium.

The day began with a trade of forfeits at the lightweights. Ashland (AU) took the points at 125 pounds, while Nate Knowlton accepted the forfeit for Findlay at 133, tying the team score at 6-6.

The Roughnecks surged ahead at 141 pounds courtesy of Ashton Anderson. Anderson was dominant from the start, racking up points to secure an 18-0 technical fall over Donovan Paes in just 3:48, putting Findlay up 11-6.

The Eagles responded immediately at 149 pounds, where #4 ranked Hayden Kuhn pinned Findlay's Will Pask in 2:44 to retake the lead 12-11. However, the Roughnecks punched right back at 157 pounds as AJ Parish earned a hard-fought 10-6 decision over Fernando Lopez, giving Findlay a 14-12 advantage.

A pivotal moment came at 165 pounds. In a tight contest, Ashland's Nate Barrett upset Findlay's #11 ranked Gary Nilson, securing a 4-2 decision to swing the momentum and the scoreboard back to the visitors, 15-14.

Findlay would take the lead one final time at 174 pounds. Donavyn Watts put together a controlling performance against Hayden Flynn, cruising to a 12-0 major decision to give the Roughnecks an 18-15 edge heading into the upper weights.

However, the #10 Eagles proved too strong down the stretch, sweeping the final three bouts to seal the victory. Fletcher Rose secured a major decision at 184 pounds to put AU up for good, followed by a technical fall from #6 Peyton Lemon at 197 pounds.

The dual concluded with a top-ten heavyweight clash. Findlay's #10 Giulian Bodiu battled #7 Wyatt Bailey but dropped a close 8-5 decision, finalizing the team score at 27-18.

Findlay's final dual of the year will be on Saturday, Feb. 14 against Lake Erie College. That match up will begin at 6pm.