The Emmaus High School wrestling team started off fast in its latest Eastern Pennsylvania Conference dual match at Northampton last Wednesday, winning the first two bouts at the 152 and 160 weight classes, but the Kids fought back and ended up coming out on top 43-24.

It was the second straight defeat for the Green Hornets, who are looking for their first dual win of the 2023-24 regular season.

Xayden Sallit got things going in the right direction for Emmaus at 152, securing a 13-5 major decision Devlin Chevere for four points. The next bout, at 160, Jesse Scott won via technical fall, winning 25-10 in 5:44 over Daniel Herritt for a quick 9-0 lead.

Northampton got on the scoreboard in the next bout with a decision at 172 for three points, but the Green Hornets answered right back as Massimo Tranguch pinned Joell Small in 1:46 at the 189-pound class and a 15-3 Emmaus advantage.

The Kids quickly got back into the contest then with back-to-back pins at 215 and 285 to tie the score at 15-15, but Emilio Albanese gave his team the lead right back as he pinned Michael DiSante in 2:53 at 107 for a 21-15 edge. Just as they have been up to that point, however, Northampton answered and earned a pin of there own at 114 and the score was knotted back up at 21-all.

That was followed by a 7-3 decision for Teagan Caciolo over Ryan Marano at 121 and the Green Hornets were back ahead 24-21. But just like that, the lead disappeared quickly as the Kids earned 22 points in the final four bouts, two pins, a major decision and a forfeit to claim the victory.

Emmaus has another tough draw in the conference, also on the road, as it will travel to take on Easton on Wednesday, before the Christmas break.

The Green Hornets will then compete in the Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic, hosted by Liberty, December 28-29.