ALLIANCE, Ohio — The Lake Erie wrestling team competed in the Purple Raider Open this weekend, hosted by the University of Mount Union. The Storm gained valuable experience throughout the day but finished with a 7-12 overall record as a team.

Of the six Storm athletes who competed, Brendan Hamilton, Austin Fietz, and Josh Howey led the team with identical 2-2 records.

Hamilton began his day with a victory over Nokolas Massaro (WNY RTC), winning by fall in 5:54. He carried that momentum into his next match, defeating Jordan Villareal (unattached) by fall in a slightly quicker 4:59.

Fietz received a bye in the first round and went on to defeat Colin Scherer (Mercyhurst) with a commanding 14-3 major decision. In his next match, he secured a 13-8 decision over Manuel Gonzales (Gannon).

Howey faced a tough loss in his opening contest but rebounded strongly. He defeated Shawn Young (West Liberty) by a 15-0 technical fall and pinned his teammate, Egidio DiFazio, in 4:04.

The Lake Erie wrestling team will return to action on Saturday, January 25, for the G-MAC Championships in Findlay, Ohio.