Warren and Union City battled back and forth in a Region 3 wrestling match at Warren Area High School on Thursday with the Bears earning a 31-30 win over the Dragons.

“Extremely proud of both teams’ effort tonight,” said Warren coach Glenn Baldensperger, whose Dragons are 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the region. “Cole (Fitzgerald) started things off at 107 with a hard-fought match to the much-bigger junior from Union City. He came away with a loss, but never quit, giving himself and the team a chance.”

After trading some forfeits, “Adika (Fiscus) came out strong, but maybe pushed it too early trying for the bonus points,” said Baldensperger. “Timmy Giger stepped in at 139 tonight and had a really solid win. He is a name to watch out for only being a freshman.”

Cameron Williams bumped up to 145 pounds and lost a close decision.

“Carter Campbell is another name to watch as a sophomore,” said Baldensperger. “He has a bunch of unorthodox skills that will lend itself to being extremely dangerous as he continues to improve. He had pinned his opponent over the weekend at STWOA, but it was a tight match when that occurred. You just have to appreciate your kids like Carter who just battle to the end.”

Ryan Letko also “bumping up” to 160 before getting pinned in the second period.

“I can’t say enough about Conner Zaffino wrestling up at 172,” added Baldensperger. “He is just such a grinder. Wrestling one of Union City’s better kids, he battled and gave his team a chance.

“Also moving up, ‘Sebby’ (Sebastian Oyola) was able to secure the takedown and work into a pinning combination, bringing the crowd to its feet. Nice win for Sebby; he definitely has been paying his dues.”

Joey Krall had an early takedown to his opponent’s back, but they rolled through with Union City’s Hunter Michael providing the decisive third-period pin.

“Joey has been battling some nagging injuries the past two seasons so it’s hard for him to get quality practices at this time,” said Baldensperger. “For him to battle so late into the match showed a lot of heart.”

The Bears are 2-2 in Region 3.

“I’m really proud of our kids tonight,” added Baldensperger. “We are young and will get better.”

UC 31, WARREN 30

107: Dominguez-Ashton (U) dec. Fitzgerald, 16-10

114: Ward (U) wbf.

121: Sweet (W) wbf.

127: Hagg (W) wbf.

133: Fiscus (W) dec. Mitcham, 16-9

139: Giger (W) dec. Tomcho, 7-4

145: Cole (U) dec. Williams, 5-3

152: Gregor (U) dec. Campbell, 8-5

160: Klaycamp (U) p. Letko, 3:08

171: Applequist (U) maj. dec. Zaffino, 11-2

189: Oyola (W) p. Lamp, 1:23

215: Michael (U) p. Krall, 4:08

285: Polley (W) wbf.