Ewing, NJ… A pair of nationally-ranked wrestling programs squared off in Packer Hall on Friday with the visiting Colonels of Wilkes University spoiling “Senior Night” for The College of New Jersey defeating the hosts, 27-10.
 
The Colonels (15-3) entered the match ranked 19^th in the latest National Wrestling Coaching Association Division III poll, while the Lions (11-6) are 30^th.
 
Prior to the match, TCNJ honored the four members of its senior class competing on their home mat for the final time. Recognized were Brian Bollette (Newton, NJ/Kittatinny), Mike Denver (Bayville, NJ/Central Regional), Chris Lombardi (Merrick, NY/John F. Kennedy), and Kyle Packer (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee).
 
The Colonels opened the dual with a pair of wins starting with a major decision at 125 and then pushing the margin to 7-0 with a decision at 133.
 
Bollette got the Lions on the board at 141 as he used a last-second takedown to pull out a 4-3 win over Ryan Wilson (Manasquan, NJ/Wall Township).
 
Wilkes then extended its lead to 11-3, but TCNJ's junior John Darling (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) won 7-6, scoring in the waning seconds for the win.  
 
The Colonels increased their lead to 18-6 thanks to consecutive wins at 165 and 174.
 
Denver halted that run as the nation's top-ranked wrestler at 184 as he methodically worked his way to a 13-2 major decision. That win put Denver at 26-2 on the season.
 
Wilkes closed out its win by claiming the final two bouts making the final, 27-10
 
TCNJ has a quick turnaround as they are right back on the mat tomorrow for a pair of dual meets at York (PA) College. The Lions face 21^st-ranked Elizabethtown College on at p.m. followed by a match-up with the 15^th-ranked Spartans.