READING, PA (January 17, 2023) -- With the 2023 MAC Championships just four days away, the King's College wrestling team had one more dual match to prepare for the weekend as they fell at Alvernia University, 31-12, on Tuesday evening. The Monarchs drop to 3-2 in dual matches for the season, while the Golden Wolves improved to 13-5.
 
Gus Petruske IV started the match off strong for the Monarchs as he picked up a win in the 125 bout by a 6-1 decision over Keito Shaw to give King's (3-2) the early 3-0 lead, but the next four contests went to the Golden Wolves. Cole Anderson dropped a 7-4 decision to Anthony Portillo at 133, before Hugh Bittenbender lost a tough 22-14 major decision bout to Avery Leonard at 141. The 157 match up saw Bret Murphy downed by a 16-0 technical fall against Jason Rezac as the Alvernia (13-5) lead grew to 18-3.
 
Francis Theroux got the Monarchs back on the board at 165 by earning a gritty 7-4 decision over Robert Lawlor to pull King's within 18-6. Alvernia responded with a win in the 174 bout as Matt Lackman earned a 10-0 major decision win over Kade Kravits.
 
Connor Wrobleski would tally points for King's at 184 as he earned a fall decision over Gavin Hollingsworth in 2:03 as King's trailed, 22-12. The final two match ups saw Alvernia secure their win as Rich Fronhesier lost by a fall to Mauro Pellot at 197, and Jacob Feese dropped a 7-0 decision to Palmer Rodenhaber in the 285 bout as Alvernia defeated King's, 31-12.
 
In the exhibition match ups, Patrick Horvath defeated Bobby Philopt by fall in 3:40, and Nick Germano earned a win by a 7-2 decision over James King. Other Monarchs in exhibition bouts saw Alex Ballantyne and Joe Davis downed by a fall to their Golden Wolves opponents.
 
The Monarchs will set their sights on the 2023 MAC Championships on Saturday morning. Competition is set for a 10:30 a.m. start in York College (Pa.)'s Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center.