Pitt-Johnstown’s Jon Neese broke a tie at 17 with a 27-second pin to lift the Mountain Cats past Division I American University 23-17 on Sunday afternoon.

The win gives UPJ a 17-5 record and improves the Mountain Cats’ record against Division I opposition to 2-4.

“It was a nice win over a Division I team,” UPJ coach Pat Pecora said. “The key was the two pins with Shane Valko at 141 and Jon Neese at heavyweight. We had the bonus points from the pins and that helped us pick up a nice win.”

The Mountain Cats got wins from Brandon Reasy (133 pounds) and Valko.

A former Forest Hills wrestler, Valko beat Nick Pitas in 1:16.

Neese’s pin came over Evan Murtaugh to set the final.

Joe Strittmatter (157) and Mike Corcetti (184) each took major decisions for the Mountain Cats.

American’s Jasen Borshoff took the first match at 125, earning a 6-2 decision over Derrek Bosso.

UPJ’s Brian Cook gave up a major decision at 149 to Damian Swietlik. Mike Cannon (165), Rudy Rueda (174) and Josh Glenn (197) also picked up wins for the Eagles over Albert Miles, Eli Garsnick and Mike Fowler, respectively.

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