Springfield proved its mettle time and again in close matches Saturday.

The Cougars won three one-bout decisions on the way to the title at the Franny Lutz Holiday Duals at Upper Merion. Springfield outlasted Upper Merion, 36-34, in the quarterfinals. It beat Henderson, 35-32, in the semifinals, then topped Malvern Prep for the title by that same margin.

Springfield built a 31-12 lead against Upper Merion but needed a tech fall by Alex McGinnis at 215 pounds to halt a run of three straight Vikings wins.

A similar script played out against Henderson, with a 31-5 lead from middleweights requiring McGinnis’ major decision to get over the line.

In the final, Springfield trailed 15-5, then rattled off five straight wins, including pins by Maverick Plummer at 160 and Edward Ashbridge at 189.

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