CLINTON, S.C. — Bellarmine wrestling's hard work this season paid off with its first SoCon victory on Friday night.  BU took down Presbyterian 19-18 for its second win of the season – the same exact score the Knights used to defeat SIUE in the season opener.
 
Bellarmine (2-13) again battled through adversity coming into the dual short-handed.  The Knights forfeited the 133 slot and were without two of their most productive wrestlers as of late in Logan Hoskins (141) and Cole Nance (157).  Bellarmine's depth showed itself though, and the Knights emerged victorious.
 
"Tonight was a testament to our team's fight," Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck said. "We've certainly experienced plenty of adversity this year, but these guys are resilient and keep fighting the good fight.  Tonight it paid off in the form of a 'W'."
 
With the early forfeit at 133, Bellarmine battled from behind and every match seemed to have the utmost importance.  Jack Parker (125) started with a 7-3 victory over Jacob Brasseur, representing his fourth consecutive SoCon win.  Brandon Lucas (141) stepped in to wrestle for the first time this season and came away with a critical 13-10 win against Khalid Brinkley.  Mitch Collica (149) then gave BU a 10-9 lead with vital bonus points, and the Knights never relinquished their advantage.  Collica topped Michael Ramirez 14-4 by major decision.
 
Heading into the 165 bout, Bellarmine led 10-9, and Devan Hendricks expanded that lead with a 4-1 win over Zachary Phillips.  Eric Beck (174) followed Hendricks with arguably the most important points of the night, pinning Bryton Goering in the first period.  Despite three losses to close out the dual, Beck's pin proved to be enough to seal the Bellarmine win by a final score of 19-18.
 
Ultimately, every bout BU won was pivotal on Friday night.
 
"We had a clutch performance from Brandon Lucas in his first match of the year," Shuck added.  "Mitch Collica and Eric Beck scoring bonus points was also clutch for us."

Bellarmine stays in South Carolina this weekend as they face The Citadel on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. in Charleston.  All of the action can be viewed on ESPN+.
 
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Bellarmine 19 – Presbyterian 18
125: Jack Parker (BU) over Jacob Brasseur (PC), 7-3 by decision
133: Dominic Chavez (PC) wins by forfeiture
141: Brandon Lucas (BU) over Khalid Brinkley (PC), 13-10 by decision
149: Mitch Collica (BU) over Michael Ramirez (PC), 14-4 by major decision
157: Reid Stewart (PC) over Alex Rhine (BU), 8-4 by decision
165: Devan Hendricks (BU) over Zachary Phillips (PC), 4-1 by decision
174: Eric Beck (BU) over Bryton Goering (PC), Fall (1:10)
184: David Bertrand (PC) over Sam Schroeder (BU), 5-3 by decision
197: Aiden Jean (PC) over Bryant Wilkinson (BU), 8-5 by decision
HWT: Will Pontoon (PC) over Charlie Cadell (BU), 3-1 by decision