Fairfax, VA - January 26, 2025: In a matchup of two undefeated Mid-American Conference (MAC) wrestling teams, Lock Haven University came from behind against George Mason University to win 19-17 and claim the top spot in the MAC East Division. The closely contested match had George Mason ahead 14-12 with two bouts to go.
The match began at 149 pounds with two nationally ranked wrestlers squaring off. Lock Haven’s Lucas Kapusta and George Mason’s Kaden Cassidy battled it out with Cassidy winning by tech fall to give George Mason the early 5-0 lead.
George Mason’s DJ McGee (157) and Evan Maag (165), a Notre Dame Green Pond High School graduate, both won by decision to give the Patriots a 11-0 lead.
Lock Haven finally broke through at 174 pounds when Avery Bassett won by decision. Colin Fegley then followed at 184 pounds for Lock Haven with another win by decision, score 11-6 George Mason.
Tyler Kocak of George Mason then upset Lock Haven’s Tucker Hogan 9-3 and George Mason extended their lead 14-6 and appeared to be in command.
Lock Haven would then win three of the remaining four bouts with Gavin Hoffman getting the decision at 285 pounds before George Mason’s Ben Monn won by decision. Lock haven’s Anthony Noto (133) and Wyatt Henson (141) then both won by tech fall to complete the comeback win.
For Lock Haven’s Noto, a redshirt senior, the win made him the 23rd 100th victory member in Lock Haven history. Noto is currently ranked as the 16th wrestler in the 133 pound class of NCAA Division I.
Lock Haven with the victory improved to 9-5 overall and 3-0 in the MAC while George Mason fell to 11-4 overall and 5-1 in the MAC.
