FRANCONIA >> In a tough field at the Big Red Dual Tournament at Souderton High School, the North Penn wrestling team dropped its last two matches of the day to finish in fourth place.
After starting the day with big wins against Downingtown East and Methacton, the Knights got dominated against Saucon Valley 61-18 in the semifinals forcing them down IN the third-place match against Neshaminy.
Neshaminy had a classic match against PIAA power Central Dauphin, but ultimately fell to the Rams 33-31.
Patrick O’Neill, who finished seventh last year at states, went 2-2 at the Big Red Dualsm winning his first two matches before falling to Saucon Valley and Neshaminy.
“I’m not happy with my performance today,” said O’Neill. “But it happens to everybody and losing just tells me to be a better wrestler in the future especially heading into postseason.”
“I definitely could’ve competed better against these great wrestlers,” added O’Neill. “It’s definitely a learning process and I look to bounce back after these past couple of weekends.”
North Penn’s Eddie Galang goes for pin against Methacton at the Big Red Duals at Souderton on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Alex Wahl/For Digital First Media)
The Knights started the day with a dominant 45-29 victory over Downingtown East before cruising past Methacton High School 53-18 in the quarterfinals.
After falling to Saucon Valley in the semifinals, the Knights fell short to Neshaminy 38-26.
The Knights kept the team scores close for most of the match, but a couple of falls for Neshaminy ultimately sealed third place for the Redskins.
North Penn head coach Rob Shettsline was pleased with his team’s efforts in a tough tournament.
“We were OK today,” said Shettsline. “Today was a good learning experience for all the boys. We wrestled well today and there is still room for improvement.”
“I’m glad we got fourth against some really good teams today,” added Shettsline. “We need to wrestle against tougher teams to get better for the postseason.”
North Penn’s Nolan Roberts looks up to the Knights’ coaching staff during his match against Neshaminy at the Big Red Duals at Souderton on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (Alex Wahl/For Digital First Media)
Neshaminy got two blowout wins against Avon Grove and Unionville in the first two rounds before falling to Central Dauphin 33-31 in the semifinals.
Saucon Valley won the team title over Central Dauphin in the championship final 32-27.
Other notable performances included Methacton, who went 3-1 on the day despite losing to North Penn in the quarterfinals.
The Warriors beat Tunkhannock 54-24 in the first round before losing to the Knights. Methacton rebounded from the tough loss with a 38-37 win against Pen Argyl and Unionville 44-36 in their last two matches.
North Penn looks to go to 3-0 in Suburban One League Continental Conference action when it travels to Quakertown Wednesday.
