Belle Vernon controls Exeter in PIAA 1st round

Belle Vernon 57, Exeter 17 >> The Eagles got their latest state-duals experience off to a rough start, falling to the District 7 champion Leopards in the opening round of the PIAA Team Championships.

Exeter won just three bouts against BV, which scored eight pins on the night. Austin DeSanto opened for the Eagles with a technical fall on Jake Fine at 120, Tyler Bagoly had a second-period pin of Derek Verkleeren at 152 and Dennis Karas added another second-period pin of Hunter Ferrara at 195.

Exeter, the third-place team from District 3, will face Cathedral Prep in the first round of consolations Friday. The Eagles will be looking to stave off elimination against the District 10 champion Ramblers.

OTHER SCORES FROM THE SECOND CLASS AAA SESSION:

Bethlehem Catholic 56, Tunkhannock 11

Central Dauphin 46, Father Judge 15

Council Rock South 34, Cathedral Prep 28