BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University wrestling team split a tri-match with the University of Southern Maine and Pilgrim Wrestling League (PWL) rival Western New England University on Wednesday afternoon at the Tinsley Center.

The host Bears (1-3, 1-2 PWL) dropped a close 26-20 decision to Southern Maine (8-3), but bounced back to post 27-16 victory over Western New England (2-4, 0-2 PWL).  In the opening match of the day, Southern Maine breezed to a 39-15 win over Western New England.

Freshman Paul Sughrue (Methuen, Mass.), juniors Matt Armano (Methuen, Mass.) and Matt Bergeron (Brockton, Mass.) and senior Ricky Caruso (Waltham, Mass.) each went 2-0 on the afternoon to pace Bridgewater State.

Sughrue earned a 16-1 technical fall victory at 133 against Vincent Bonina of Southern Maine as well as a forfeit win in the match with Western New England.  The 157-pound Armano earned a 6-2 decision over Southern Maine's Daniel Del Gallo and pinned Western New England's Robert Cox.  Bergeron posted a pair of decisions at 174 over Robert Drover of Southern Maine (7-3) and Andrew Cole of Western New England (4-1).

After garnering a forfeit win against Southern Maine, the heavyweight Caruso downed nationally ranked Jamison Sacco of Western New England, 4-1.  The bout featured two of the top three heavyweights in the New England Wrestling Association.  With the win, Caruso improved his season record to 16-3.

In upcoming action, the Bears travel to American International College on Saturday for a tri-match which also features Norwich University.  The opening match between AIC and Bridgewater is slated to get underway at noon.