WEST LIBERTY — The No. 18-ranked West Liberty Hilltoppers celebrated Senior Night in winning fashion Thursday, defeating No.15 Ashland, 29-20, inside the ASRC.

Prior to the dual, West Liberty honored eight seniors — Toby Abbott, Parker Bentley, Matt Englehardt, Khyvon Grace, Ridge Kidder, Bryson Neidigh, Jordan Watters, and Carter Winegardner — for their contributions to the program.

The Hilltoppers set the tone early, picking up forfeits at 125 and 133 pounds as Logan Davis and James Armstrong Jr. were awarded six team points each for a quick 12-0 lead.

Grace energized the home crowd at 141 with an 18-3 technical fall over Donovan Paes at the 4:46 mark, stretching the advantage to 17-0.

Ashland responded with a technical fall at 149 to trim the deficit, but West Liberty answered in the middle weights. Nico Taddy secured a 12-4 major decision at 157, and Bodie Morgan followed with an 11-0 major decision at 165 to keep the Hilltoppers in control.

Graduate senior Carter Winegardner delivered another highlight at 174, recording a 19-3 technical fall in 5:35 to push the team score firmly in West Liberty’s favor.

Ashland picked up wins at 184, 197, and 285, including a fall in the heavyweight bout, but the early cushion proved too much to overcome as the Hilltoppers secured the victory.

West Liberty will close the regular season by visiting Fairmont State Saturday at 2 p.m.