DePhillipo’s first two losses come at worst time

Joe DePhillipo’s quest for an undefeated season and a trip to the PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships came to an end in Bethlehem Saturday.

The senior from Bonner-Prendergast suffered his first loss of the season when he dropped a 5-2 decision to Parkland’s Josh Ortman in the semifinals of the 152-pound weight class in the North East Regionals at Bethlehem Liberty High School. His season came to an end with a heart-breaking 3-2 loss to Tyler Tarsi of Nazareth in the consolation semifinals.

DePhillipo finished 27-2 and won both the Catholic League and District 12 152-pound titles.

In other Class AAA action, Cardinal O’Hara’s Tyler Oliver (126) was eliminated in the second round of consolations with a 9-1 loss to Pat McGinley of La Salle. Oliver’s teammate, Mike Lewis (138) also saw his season come to an end in the second round of wrestlebacks.

In Class AA, Archbishop Carroll’s Nicholas Forman (138) and Delco Christian’s Scott Pendell (285) were eliminated in the second round of consolations in their respective weight classes.