The Whitehall wrestling team was in search of its first EPC dual meet win when they hosted Dieruff last Wednesday.

The Zephs were 0-4 in EPC matches coming into the meet, and were well aware of how competitive Dieruff has become in the last few seasons. The two teams have split their last four matches, with Dieruff toppling Whitehall in their most recent meeting, 50-13.

That loss was in 2014, and when the teams hooked up again last Wednesday, Whitehall was trying to avenge that loss against a team that had nine wrestlers competing for medals at the Tony Iasiello Christmas City Tournament in December.

The Zephs battled the Huskies throughout the match but lost 45-24.

Whitehall won five of the 14 bouts, but surrendered too many bonus points to the visiting Huskies. Dieruff registered five falls and a forfeit to get their sixth win of the season.

Whitehall is now 4-6 overall and 0-5 in the EPC.

The match featured some impressive wins for the Zephyrs. Nikitas Davis (13-7) continues to be among the top wrestlers in his weight class. An area publication has him listed as a Honorable Mention in that bracket. He disposed of Dieruff’s Anthony Rosato, 12-2.

John Kaintz won another decision for the Zephs. He was victorious at 145 in a hard-fought 4-2 win over Joey Hamaii.

At 170, Dan Mittura scored a technical fall over David Rodriguez, besting the Husky 18-3.

Caleb Staub provided more bonus points for the Zephs. The freshman pinned Jorge Otero in 1:20.

Finally, Noah Rex, another wrestler who is listed on the area’s best at 120 won by forfeit at 126.

Whitehall extended two bouts into overtime, but on both occasions they lost in sudden victory. Jesiah Davis was defeated by Ronnie Simmons, 5-3, while Josh Grol was upended by Danny Berro, 6-4.

Head coach Tim Cunningham knew it was going to be another tough test for his young team.

“We wrestled a little better as a team but we lack consistency as expected as a young group,” said Cunningham. “We had a few guys step up and wrestle hard for the team which showed we are starting to get some leaders on the team.”