BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - In Pilgrim Wrestling League (PWL) action this evening, the Bridgewater State College Bears overcame an early 9-3 deficit and went on to defeat the Huskies of Southern Maine, 25-12, in their home opener at Kelly Gymnasium.

The win gave first-year head coach Derek Coombs his first collegiate dual meet victory. The Bears, ranked first in New England among Division III schools, have started off the 2007-2008 season in fine fashion as they also captured first place this past weekend at the Roger Williams Invitational.

Trailing 9-3 through the first three weight classes, Bridgewater pulled even with a pair of decision victories by sophomore 149-pounder Frank Cammisa (Danbury, MA) and junior 157-pounder John Marsh (New Bedford, MA). Both Cammisa and Marsh return to the BSC lineup this season after making NCAA Tournament appearances last March. The Bears then took the lead for good thanks to a 14-6 major decision win by freshman Zach Bates (Leyden, MA) at 165.

After sophomore Mike Morin (Fryeburg, ME) pulled the Huskies to within a point at 13-12 with a 4-3 decision at 174, senior tri-captain Jim Quinlan (Methuen, MA) gave the Bears a little breathing room with a 5-3 victory in the 184-pound weight class. Quinlan is a perfect 5-0 on the season and he is now in sole possession of second place on the Bears' all-time wins list with 111 career victories.

Freshman Andrew Frazer (West Hartford, CT) iced the match with a win by fall at 197, and senior heavyweight Tim Ferreira (Danbury, CT) capped things off with a 3-1 decision in the final bout of the evening.

The Bears are back in action on Saturday as they travel to Springfield College for the Doug Parker Invitational. Southern Maine will also return to the mat on Saturday as the Huskies compete in the Oneonta State Invitational.

Bridgewater State College (25) - University of Southern Maine (12)