CLAYTON – The Lower Cape May Regional wrestling team came very close to pulling off a mild upset in the first round of the South Jersey Group II playoffs Monday night but ultimately fell to Clayton, 33-30.

Lower trailed 33-27 going into the final match and needed a pin to force a tie. Mike Harkin was able to handle Clayton-Glassboro’s Alan Campbell but could not secure a fall and had to settle for a 4-1 decision as Clayton clinched the victory.

Zach Hicks (113) and Cory Damiana (195) each won by pin for Lower (12-10) in the loss.

Other winners for the Tigers included Zach Hicks (120) via forfeit and Kevin Garrabrant (132), Ty Altieri (145) and Jimmy Hall (182) by decisions.

Clayton improved to 22-1 with the victory.