Virginia Tech Wrestling: Hokies Win Third Straight ACC Dual in Dominant Fashion

In their first west coast road trip, the Virginia Tech wrestling team claimed their third consecutive ACC dual win, and fourth win overall, on Friday night by a score of 30-13. Virginia Tech now has three ranked wins on the season.

After contending with injuries up and down the starting lineup for several weeks, Tony Robie’s squad against Stanford was finally healthy again, with the notable exception of Rafael Hipolito at 157 pounds. Despite being down several starters throughout its winning streak, Virginia Tech has looked composed and in command. The same was true in Palo Alto as the nearly at full-strength Hokies put on a workmanlike performance, winning 7 of 10 matches, 4 of which by bonus points.  

Match results:

• 125 lbs: No. 5 Eddie Ventresca (VT) win by forfeit
• 133 lbs: No. 19 Conor McGonagle (VT) Dec. No. 6 Tyler Knox (STAN), 3-0 (SV)
• 141 lbs: No. 10 Sam Latona (VT) Dec. No. 21 Jason Miranda (STAN), 9-6 (SV)
• 149 lbs: No. 1 Caleb Henson (VT) Tech. Fall  No. 9 Jason Abas (STAN), 17-1, 6:34
• 157 lbs: No. 28 Grigo Cholakyan (STAN) Fall Frank Dibella (VT), 4:19
• 165 lbs: No. 14 Hunter Garvin (STAN) Maj. Dec. No. 30 Mac Church, 11-3
• 174 lbs: No. 29 Lennox Wolak (VT) Cec. Collin Guffy (STAN), 8-2
• 184 lbs: No. 23 Thomas Stewart, Jr. (VT) Maj. Dec. Tyler Monteiro (STAN), 14-3
• 197 lbs: No. 22 Nik Stemmet (STAN) Dec. No. 8 Andy Smith (VT), 4-2
• 285 lbs: No. 14 Jimmy Mullen (VT) Fall No. 31 Peter Ming (STAN), 2:34

Highlights:

Conor McGonagle earned a gritty upset against a top-10 opponent, working hard to lock up a late takedown in a sudden victory to secure the win. The Lehigh transfer has provided another spark to complement Ventresca and Latona in the lightweight divisions.

Sam Latona proved he’s learned a thing or two while in Blacksburg, battling back after being down 5-3 in the third period to grab a takedown in sudden victory for the win. The veteran from Alabama has turned in relatively quiet, but consistently efficient performances throughout the ACC schedule.

Caleb Henson in his second dual back after working through a nagging injury put on a masterclass, dominating his opponent from the opening whistle. Once again, his strength was on display in a bruising performance that was befitting of a defending national champion. 

TJ Stewart built on his string of recent impressive dual performances, taking care of business in style. The 184-pounder continues to show vast improvements from earlier in the season when he uncharacteristically struggled.

Jimmy Mullen didn’t mince words, securing a fall for the second consecutive week. Steady all season, Mullen should be in contention for an ACC title if he remains healthy. 

Virginia Tech returns to the mat against Pitt for another ranked matchup in Blacksburg on Friday, February 14th at 7 PM.