ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College men's wrestling team competed in its biggest dual of the season so far on Tuesday evening as they hosted Olivet College at the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center. The Bulldogs defeated the Comets for the first time since 1971 to snap a 22-match losing streak. Adrian defeated Olivet 23-18 at home and move into first place in the MIAA standings.
 
The Bulldogs began the day with a quick 10-0 lead. At 125 Zach Phifer set the tone for Adrian with a pin to grab an early six points. At 133, Tyler Davis put up 12 points against his opponent to win by major decision to extend the lead. Adrian slipped slightly at 141 and 149 losing both bouts by decision to make the score 10-6.
 
At 157, Trenton DiGenova won by major decision defeating his opponent 14-4 to put Adrian ahead 14-6. Olivet regained momentum at 165 and 174 win a pair of wins by decision to bring the deficit to two points. Blake Williams recorded a win by fall at 184 to switch the power back over to the black and gold. Dylan Wellbaum went on to lock up the victory with a win by decision at 197 to put the Bulldogs ahead by 11. With nothing at stake at heavyweight, the Bulldogs forfeited the final bout and defeated the Comets 23-18.
 
 
Dating back to the 1964-65 season, Adrian won the first ten duals versus Olivet. In 1971, Olivet took control of the series going on to win the next 22 contests against the Bulldogs. Adrian snapped the streak on Tuesday night and will look to spark another winning streak against the Comets.
 
The Bulldogs travel to Wheaton, Illinois for the Pete Wilson Invitational this weekend before returning to MIAA action on Wednesday, February 1 on the road at Trine University. With a victory over Trine, Adrian will lock up the MIAA Championship for the first time since 1971