HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College men's wrestling team lost 32-17 to the visiting team from the University of Southern Maine on Friday evening at Bridges Gymnasium in Henniker, New Hampshire. The Pilgrims of NEC run their record to 7-6 while the Huskies of Southern Maine improve to 13-6.

TOP 'GRIMS

• NEC graduate Chris DeRosa (Billerica, Mass.), competing in his final home match in the Bridges Gymnasium, picked up perhaps one of the most impressive wins in his storied career, winning a 3-2 decision at the 125 pairing against USM sophomore Jake Craig (Norridgewock, Maine), the number one ranked wrestler in the most recent NEWA Conference rankings and the fifth-ranked competitor in the entire nation in the most recent NWCA national polls.
• NEC junior Boburjon Berdiyorov (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), just two weeks into his career as a Pilgrim, won by technical fall (19-4) at 141 pounds over USM sophomore Caden Frost (Steep Falls, Maine), securing three points for the home team.
• NEC sophomore Kyle Gora (Hudson, N.H.) picked up the win at 174 pounds in a 6-0 decision over USM freshman Derek Cote (Lebanon, Maine)
• In exhibition action, NEC senior Malik Keresey (Pittsfield, Maine), a standout for the Pilgrim men's wrestling and men's cross-country programs for four years, picked up his final home win with an 8-4 decision over USM senior Dominic Pelletier (Raymond, Maine).

SENIOR NIGHT

• Prior to the match, the New England College men's and women's wrestling programs and the NEC athletics department recognized this year's senior class as part of senior day. The class of DeRosa, Keresey, Nathaniel Philion (Charlton, Mass.), Maxwell Ross (Owings Mills, Md.), Adam Presa (Merrimack, N.H.) and Rebecca Eaton (Hebron, Conn.) were honored by coaches, teammates, family members and fans for all of their accomplishments at NEC both on and off the field. Although their time with the program may be coming to an end, they will forever be a part of the 'Grims family.

UP NEXT

• NEC is back on the mats on Wednesday when they travel to Plymouth State University for a 6:00 p.m. match against the Panthers.

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