LEWISBURG — In a nail-biting finish that had the 567 fans on the edge of their seats, the Lock Haven escaped with a thrilling 19-15 victory over Bucknell at Davis Gym on January 29, 2026. The tension was palpable throughout this crucial clash as both teams traded the lead multiple times.

Early Bald Eagles Momentum

The action began at 125 pounds where Curtis Nelson (Lock Haven) won by major decision (19-7) to give the visitors an early lead at Bucknell 0, Lock Haven 4. The 133-pound bout saw Gable Strickland (Lock Haven) prevailed by decision (7-2), extending the visitors' advantage at Bucknell 0, Lock Haven 7. The 141-pound bout saw Dylan Chappell (Bucknell) won by decision (10-7), narrowing the gap at Bucknell 3, Lock Haven 7.

Key Middle Bouts

A key match came at 125 pounds where Curtis Nelson (Lock Haven) won by major decision, extending the visitors' advantage to Bucknell 0, Lock Haven 4. Gable Strickland kept the momentum going for the visitors at 133 pounds with a decision, making the score Bucknell 0, Lock Haven 7. At 141 pounds, Dylan Chappell (Bucknell) responded with a decision, bringing the score to Bucknell 3, Lock Haven 7.

Sealing the Victory

At 184 pounds, Tyler Bienus (Bucknell) prevailed by decision (3-1), followed by Dillon Bechtold at 197 pounds who earned a major decision (11-2), The team victory was mathematically secured at 285 pounds when Kade Sottolano earned a decision (4-1 SV), making the final score Bucknell 15, Lock Haven 19.

Takedown Statistics

In the takedown battle, Lock Haven led with a 3 takedown advantage. Overall, Bucknell finished with 9 takedowns to Lock Haven's 12. Curtis Nelson (Lock Haven) led all wrestlers with 4 takedowns, followed by Noah Mulvaney (Bucknell) with 3 takedowns and Avery Bassett (Lock Haven) with 3 takedowns.

Bout-by-Bout Analysis