Virginia Tech Wrestling: Shorthanded Hokies Handle Blue Devils

For the second straight week, the Hokies dominated their opponents on the road, this time by a final score of 31-15 against Duke. Virginia Tech won 6 of 10 matches, all by bonus points. Friday night’s victory marks 21 consecutive wins over the Blue Devils.

Head coach Tony Robie gave the nod to reserves at several weight classes in place of key starters who were out with injuries.

Highlights 

133-pounder Connor McGonagle notched a 16-1 technical fall in convincing fashion. At 141 pounds, Sam Latona continued his hot streak in a dominant 22-6 technical fall of his own. The Blue Devils then went on a run of their own, winning the next three matches starting at 149 pounds. At 174 pounds, Lennox Wolak stopped the bleeding for the Hokies, earning a first period technical fall that extended Virginia Tech’s lead to 9. Adding to his resurgence this season, 184-pounder TJ Stewart, Jr. contributed another technical fall to the Hokies’ tally.  Ending the dual with an exclamation point was Jimmy Mullen, who mauled his way to the final technical fall of the night for the Hokies.

Match results:

125 pounds: No. 5 Eddie Ventresca wins by forfeit
133 pounds: No. 18 Connor McGonagle technical fall over Raymond Adams, 16-1
141 pounds: No. 10 Sam Latona (VT) technical fall over Christian Colman, 22-6
149 pounds: Sean O’Donnell fall over Chris Bacchioni (VT)
157 pounds: Logan Gerrero decision over Luke Robie (VT), 6-0
165 pounds: No. 29 Aiden Wallace decision over No. 23 Mac Church (VT), 4-1 (SV)
174 pounds: No. 24 Lennox Wolak (VT) technical fall over Ryan Beirne, 21-6
184 pounds: No. 28 TJ Stewart, Jr. (VT) technical fall over David Hussey, 19-4
285 pounds: No. 14 Jimmy Mullen (VT) technical fall over No. 29 Connor Berket, 20-5

Final thoughts

Virginia Tech must get healthy coming down the stretch of the ACC schedule. Although the Hokies took the match handily, the impact injuries had on this lineup’s ceiling was on full display. Starting reserves at key spots in the lineup may have been successful against Duke, but teams like Pitt, UVA, and NC State will be much more difficult to beat with so much attrition.

Defending national champion Caleb Henson has not wrestled in three consecutive duals dating back to the Oklahoma State dual in early December. Two-time NCAA qualifier Andy Smith has also now missed two straight duals. To remain competitive as the ACC duals season winds down, the Hokies will need to catch a break from the injury bug. 

Those starters that did make appearances on Friday night looked the part. Sam Latona continued to build on what is shaping up to be an impressive season, particularly following a hard-fought loss at Oklahoma State. TJ Stewart Jr. made another step toward getting his groove back after a slow start to the season and is poised to carry over real momentum to the ACC tournament if he stays healthy.

Lennox Wolak made a much-needed statement on Friday night after a tough few weeks, hoping to get hot at just the right time. Connor McGonagle cruised to another impressive victory for the second straight week, too, as he’s set to play a crucial role in the Hokies’ upcoming slate of tough duals.

Virginia Tech is back in action against UVA on Friday January 31st at 7 PM in Blacksburg.