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Owls in hunt at Lowell Tourney

With six wrestlers still alive in the championship bracket and another six fighting through the consolation round, Timberlane is well positioned to improve its second place position in today's conclusion of the Lowell Holiday Tourney.

With 113.5 points, the Owls are nestled between leader Winchester (119.5) and third-place Mt. Anthony of Vt. (109).

"We had a good first day," said Owls head coach Barry Chooljian. "With the field up to 64 teams, and having to wrestle three rounds to open (in many classes) instead of two, it's a tough event."

Pleasant surprises from a pair of freshmen, Dan Scalzo at 126 pounds and 106-pounder Jake Durkin, highlighted Timberlane strong start. 

Scalzo had a pin and technical fall in his road to the quarterfinals and a match against Londonderry's Tyler Wilson, who knocked off Pinkerton's Devin Rios via pin to advance.

Durkin had two pins in 52 seconds plus a solid decision to stay alive, joining teammates Josh Riley (160), Josh Burnham (132), Zach Bridson (113) and Adam Corey (120).

Londonderry (10th place, 78 points) is the other local squad with six quarterfinalists led by Wilson and 160-pounder Matt Cabezas, who toppled Pinkerton's Tim Parrott by pin in the third round.

Lawrence is tied for fourth place with Natick at 88 points with heavyweights Mike Mena and Janer Reyes among four title round contenders.

"I'm happy with how we're wrestling and we're pretty much on course, but (today's) another day)," said Lancer head coach Rob Niceforo. "there's a lot of competitive matches and the quarterfinals will be very exciting."

Central Catholic (four in title contention), Salem (4) Pinkerton (3) and Pelham (1) had athletes make it to the quarters, which start at 9 a.m. at Tsongas Center.