CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, Pa. – In a back-and-forth battle, the Eisenhower Knights grinded out a 45-35 Region 3 victory on Thursday at Cambridge Springs.

“It was good to be back on the mat,” said Eisenhower coach Kris Black. “We’ve been off since STWOA and we were able to work on some different things. It was good for these guys to get back on the mat and get ready for Tool City.”

The Knights got five-straight wins to start the match, which began at 106. Ethan Nizzi, Logan Jaquay and Jacob Williams all got second-period pins, while Easton Hedman came up with a huge win over Ayden Miller at 132. Miller came into the match ranked fourth in the Northwest Region at his weight class.

“I can’t say enough about what a great job Easton did tonight,” Black said. “He continued to grind and grind. He’s really wrestling well right now.

“Realistically, 20, 26 and 32, those were the difference-makers for us in the match. Logan and Jake Williams, Jake did a great job tonight. Jake got us the momentum we needed and I thought he looked good.”

Gannon Jaquay also earned a second-period fall at 145.

“Gannon went out and took care of business,” Black said.

Cambridge Springs got right back into the match in the four bouts from 160 to 195, actually taking the lead after Jacob Jones’ pin at 195.

“They’re really solid from 60 to 95,” said Black. “They scored a lot of bonus points in there. They got those bonus points when they needed them and made it a tight match.”

Cael Black and Jesse Gourley made sure it was a winning night for the Knights, each getting pins to close out the match.

Black in particular really battled to get a fall late in the third.

“Cael I think had nine takedowns,” noted coach Black. “That kid was doing a good job of not opening up, but he was finally able to get the pin.

“The pressure was still on Jesse and he did a good job. This was a good win in a hostile environment.”

The prestigious Tool City Tournament takes place today and Saturday, where the Knights will be looking for more positive results.

“The expectations for each one of them are a little different, and that’s OK,” Black said.

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EISENHOWER 45, CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS 35

106: Anthony Rivera (E) win by forfeit

113: Ethan Nizzi (E) pin Logan Gerow, 2:46

120: Logan Jaquay (E) pin Kyle Huya , 2:25

126: Jacob Williams (E) pin Jacob Peterson 2:44

132: Easton Hedman (E) dec. Ayden Miller, 9-7

138: Chase Beck (C) pin Alex Hummel, 5:54

145: Gannon Jaquay pin Ryan Webster, 2:52

152: Josh Bortz win by forfeit

160: Colton Smith (C) pin Alex Greene, 1:14

170: Eli Mosconi (C) pin Steven Reilly, :58

182: Jackson Carico (C) pin Mikael Beaver, 2:54

195: Jacob Jones (C) pin Tristan Wilcox, 3:21

220: Cael Black (E) pin Jordan Miller, 5:58

285: Jesse Gourley (E) pin Xavier Castillo, 1:21