Storm fall to Southern Maine, Williams

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The Simpson wrestling team flew into a pair of dual losses on the East Coast on Friday night, losing to Southern Maine 31-11 before falling to Williams 25-20.

The Storm (4-6) had a tough time against Southern Maine, picking up three wins in the first dual of the night. Jared Bevins (Creston, Iowa) earned a technical fall at 197 while Stephen Blayer (Iowa City, Iowa) and Taylor Witzel (Aurelia, Iowa) picked up decisions at 149 and 197, respectively.

Simpson had more success against host Williams College, carrying a 20-16 lead into the last two weights before dropping the final two matches.

Blayer picked up his second win of the night, taking a major decision at 149 pounds. Witzel needed only 50 seconds to pin Dan Kurnick at 184 pounds and Justin Bruce (Lee's Summit, Mo.) added a major decision at 174 pounds. Devin Rausch (Fredericksburg, Iowa) accounted for Simpson's other six points by virtue of a forfeit at 125 pounds.

Bevins dropped a 7-5, overtime match at 197 pounds which gave Williams a 20-19 lead. Tom Foote pinned Simpson newcomer Tony Saucedo (Osceola, Iowa) at heavyweight to close the match.

The Storm remain in Williamstown for the weekend, where they will take place in the Williams Invitational tomorrow.