SPORTS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson Wrestling took down the Diplomats of Franklin & Marshall Friday in a dual that came down to the last heavyweight bout. Senior Mitchell Trigg sealed the deal with a 5-2 decision to give the ‘Cats their first victory of the season, 20-18.

“I am very impressed with our team’s ability to overcome recent adversity and find a way to get the win,” Head Coach Andy Lausier said. “Every success we experience leads to growth in confidence – and we had some guys really step up to help us get the win today.”

Kyle Gorant (133) dominated his opponent with five takedowns in the third period alone to earn a 16-0 tech fall in 4:38.

Davidson dropped the 125, 141 and 149 bouts and fell to a 12-5 disadvantage heading into the 157-pound bout when Bryce Sanderlin took the mat. The junior scored an escape in the first period before taking down his opponent in the second to secure a 3-2 win and get Davidson back in the match, 12-8.

The ‘Cats needed a momentum swing and Jaden Hardrick brought it with a 12-8 decision over Crew Fullerton of F&M. Hardrick was down 6-3 after the first, but his four escapes over the first two periods along with two penalty points kept him in the bout. With 20 seconds on the clock, Hardrick scored a takedown and a four-point near fall to secure the win.

Next up, Anthony Spera wrestled in just his fourth match of the season and followed suit, scoring a takedown and a four-point near fall about 20 seconds into the match. He earned an 8-6 decision and put Davidson ahead 14-12.

After dropping the 184 bout, it came down to the last two rounds for the ‘Cats. Finlay Holston (197) earned a hard-fought 4-0 decision, scoring all four points in the third period and bringing Davidson within one point, 18-17.

Trigg then stepped onto the mat and was taken down early by F&M’s Vincenzo Pelusi. Trigg earned an escape, returned the takedown and held out for the 5-2 decision, sealing a victory for the ‘Cats.

UP NEXT
Davidson will head to Bellarmine next Friday, Jan. 21 for a 6 pm dual in Louisville, Ky.

RESULTS
125: Giovanni Diaz (F&M) over Hale Robinson (Davidson) (TF 16-0 4:38)
133: Kyle Gorant (Davidson) over Jack Bruce (F&M) (TF 23-7 6:50)
141: Wilfredo Gil (F&M) over Nick Cambria (Davidson) (Dec 9-7)
149: Christiaan Dailey (F&M) over David Loniewski (Davidson) (Dec 9-7)
157: Bryce Sanderlin (Davidson) over Chase McCollum (F&M) (Dec 3-2)
165: Jaden Hardrick (Davidson) over Crew Fullerton (F&M) (Dec 12-8)
174: Anthony Spera (Davidson) over John Crawford (F&M) (Dec 8-6)
184: James Conway (F&M) over Gavin Henry (Davidson) (Fall 4:17)
197: Finlay Holston (Davidson) over Michael Waszen (F&M) (Dec 4-0)
285: Mitchell Trigg (Davidson) over Vincenzo Pelusi (F&M) (Dec 5-2)