Sometimes a win or a loss isn't always indicative of a team's performance, let alone a true measure of its talent.

Such is the case with the Northwestern wrestling team, a squad that has been ravaged by injuries and forced to forfeit several matches on a regular basis this season.

That trend continued last Saturday, as the Tigers dropped a 54-24 decision to Colonial League rival Palmerton.

Despite Northwestern's seven forfeits in the contest, Palmerton coach David Lavin made sure the Bombers didn't overlook an undermanned Tigers squad.

"It doesn't matter if you're going against a full lineup or not, you're wrestling one guy," Lavin said afterwards. "And for the guys that wrestled, that's what we stressed - don't take anyone for granted just because the team is down a little bit. They (Northwestern) are a very tough team, but they have some holes with injuries right now."

Palmerton's Josh Evans (145) and Zack Christman (152), who combined for 56 wins a year ago, continued their winning ways this season, with each picking up dominant victories by fall. Evans now sits at 17-1 on the season while Christman holds a record of 16-3.

Zachary Graver, a state qualifier a year ago for the Bombers (6-5) as a sophomore, won by forfeit to run his record to 12-0 this season.

"They're well-coached and they have some really good wrestlers," said Northwestern coach Jim Moll. "(Josh) Evans has been really impressive so far this season, not to mention (Zack) Christman and (Zachary) Graver, who have both wrestled really well. They're all very talented guys."

The Tigers (4-8) got a few impressive performances from Anthony DiCataldo (120), Jarrett White (126) and Alex Russo (182). Russo picked up a win by fall, while White, a regional qualifier a year ago, and DiCataldo picked up victories by decision in matches that were close throughout.

"Anthony (DiCataldo) has had limited varsity action this season, but he stepped up and wrestled a pretty good match," Moll said of the sophomore. "And Jarett (White) is bumping up a weight class this year, which is always tough. But he's done a great job for us.

"He does whatever the team needs him to do. And that's good. That's what a captain should do."

With healthy returns from several key members of the lineup on the horizon, Moll hopes his young squad can finish the season strong.

"It's tough because we have so many guys out with injuries and skin issues," said Moll. "That makes it really hard on us. But if we have all of our guys healthy, we can fill a lineup.

"Right now, we're just concentrating on getting healthy and hopefully we'll have everyone back for the match against Northern Lehigh on Monday."