Virginia Tech Wrestling: Hokies Win Dual Against No. 8 Missouri

Wrestling is back in Blacksburg.

In front of a raucous Cassell Coliseum crowd, No. 7 Virginia Tech took down eighth-ranked Missouri 23-10 on Friday night to improve its 2024 dual record to 2-0.

The Hokies got out to a 17-0 lead following wins from each of their first six wrestlers. No. 13 Eddie Ventresca opened the night with a 6-5 decision, and was followed by No. 10 Connor McGonagle's 3-0 win. No. 18 Sam Latona then upset No. 14 Josh Edmond 4-2. Defending national champion No. 1 Caleb Henson secured a 9-0 major decision, and was followed by No. 25 Rafael Hipolito Jr.'s own 11-3 major decision.

The Tigers responded by winning three consecutive bouts, including a major decision by Missouri's No. 1 Keegan O'Toole against No. 4 Lennox Wolak in the marquee matchup of the night at 174 pounds, and an upset of No. 5 Thomas Stewart Jr. by No. 12 Colton Hawks at 184 pounds. 197-pounder Andy Smith reclaimed the momentum for the Hokies with an electric 12-9 victory, extending their lead to 20-10 heading into the heavyweight matchup. No. 15 Jimmy Mullen took care of business and secured the dual 23-10 for Virginia Tech. This is the Hokies' fourth win over the Tigers in their last five meetings.

Virginia Tech will remain in Blacksburg for their next match (at Moss Arts Center) on Nov. 22, when they will take on the No. 20 Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a huge Top 20 match. Virginia Tech's next dual of the season will take place on Dec. 19 in Stillwater against Oklahoma State a matchup that could have major implications come the NCAAs in March for the Hokies and Cowboys.