It was a day of redemption in Boone, NC for head coach Tony Robie’s squad coming off of two straight dual losses. After being beaten thoroughly by Oklahoma State in December and dropping its first ACC dual of the season to North Carolina last weekend, Virginia Tech notched a badly needed win on Sunday to regain some momentum and get its season back on track.
No. 11 Virginia Tech jumped out to an early lead and withstood some adversity along the way, claiming the dual 30-11. The Hokies won 7 of 10 matches, including five by bonus points.
Highlights:
No. 5 Eddie Ventresca got the dual started with a bang at 125 pounds, pinning his opponent in the first period. At 133 pounds, No. 19 Connor McGonagle made his return to the lineup after missing the last two duals, notching a 13-2 major decision. No. 11 Rafael Hipolito at 157 pounds continued to put his offensive repertoire on display in an impressive 14-5 major decision. At 185 pounds, No. 29 TJ Stewart, Jr. imposed his will in a dominant 21-6 technical fall. Heavyweight No. 15 Jimmy Mullen concluded the dual with more fireworks in a convincing 26-9 technical fall.
Match results:
125 pounds: No. 5 Eddie Ventresca (VT) fall over Bryson Terrell
133 pounds: No. 19 Connor McGonagle (VT) major decision over Chad Bellis, 13-2
141 pounds: No. 10 Sam Latona (VT) decision over Aldo Hernandez, 5-1
149 pounds: Kaden Keiser decision over Hunter Mason (VT), 10-15
157 pounds: No. 11 Rafael Hipolito (VT) major decision over Jeremiah Price, 14-5
165 pounds: No. 8 Will Miller decision over No. 22 Mac Church (VT), 1-2 (SV)
174 pounds: Luke Uliano decision over No. 20 Lennox Wolak (VT), 3-11
184 pounds: No. 29 TJ Stewart, Jr. (VT) technical fall over Logan Eller, 21-6
197 pounds: Sam Fisher (VT) decision over No. 32 Carson Floyd, 6-1
For the second consecutive dual, defending national champion at 149 pounds Caleb Henson did not wrestle for the Hokies. Virginia Tech returns to the mat against the Duke Blue Devils this Friday, January 24th at 7:00 PM.