LHU Men’s Wrestling extends win streak, remains perfect in MAC with victory over Rider
LOCK HAVEN – The Lock Haven men’s wrestling team won six of 10 bouts on the night including two tech falls and two major decisions, and the Bald Eagles extended their win streak with a hard-fought 24-13 victory over visiting Rider (5-8, 1-2 MAC) Thursday (Feb. 6) night in Mid-American Conference (MAC) action.
No. 27 Tucker Hogan (197 lbs.), No. 17 Gavin Hoffman (285 lbs.), No. 16 Anthony Noto (133 lbs.), No. 17 Wyatt Henson (141 lbs.), Nick Stampoulos (157 lbs.) and No. 31 Avery Bassett (174 lbs.) all won for the Bald Eagles.
With the win, Lock Haven improved to 11-5 overall and moved to a perfect 4-0 in MAC duals.
The victory extended Lock Haven’s win streak to seven and the Bald Eagles remained unbeaten at home with a 5-0 mark.
Noto and Henson posted tech falls, while Hoffman and Bassett won by major decision.
Stampoulos secured a thrilling upset-win and Bassett sealed the team victory to headline the night.
Tonight’s dual started at 197 pounds and the Bald Eagles benefitted from a hot start with Hogan and Hoffman posting back-to-back wins at 197 and 285 pounds, respectively. Hogan topped Brock Zurawski 9-3, and Hoffman majored Collin French 14-4 behind a dominating effort from start to finish.
Rider posted a major decision at 125, but Lock Haven responded in a big way – thanks to back-to-back tech falls from Noto and Henson. Noto teched Will Betancourt, 18-3, in 6:43 at 133 pounds and Henson needed just 4:48 to roll by Branden Palcko, 21-5, at 141.
The Noto and Henson techs pushed The Haven’s team lead to 17-4 at the break as the Bald Eagles won four of the first five bouts in the meet. Three of those four Lock Haven victories came with bonus points.
Coming out of the break, Lock Haven’s Lucas Kapusta dropped a hard-fought decision in a clash of two nationally-ranked 149-pounders. Kapusta, ranked No. 32, was edged by No. 15 Sammy Alvarez, 9-3.
The Bald Eagles quickly bounced back with a win at 157 as Stampoulos upset No. 27 Colton Washleski, 9-4. Stampoulos took control at the opening whistle and never looked back in the all-important victory that stretched the Lock Haven lead to 20-7.
At 165, Rider’s 30th ranked Enrique Munguia edged out Caden Dobbins, 9-5, in a hard-fought bout.
Bassett’s major decision at 174 sealed the team victory for the Bald Eagles. Ranked No. 31, Bassett cruised by Michael Wilson 15-6 and extended Lock Haven’s lead to 24-10.
In the final bout of the night at 184, Rider’s Isaac Dean, ranked No. 14, slipped by No. 23 Colin Fegley, 5-2.
Lock Haven will head to Clarion Saturday looking to extend their streak to eight and the Bald Eagles eye a 12th win this season.
Bout-by-Bout Results / Team Score by Bout
Final: Lock Haven 24 – Rider 13
197: #27 Tucker Hogan (Lock Haven) dec. Brock Zurawski (Rider) 9-3 / Lock Haven 3-0
285: #17 Gavin Hoffman (Lock Haven) major dec. Collin French (Rider) 14-4 / Lock Haven 7-0
125: Noah Michaels (Rider) major dec. Branden Wentzel (Lock Haven) 10-0 / Lock Haven 7-4
133: #16 Anthony Noto (Lock Haven) tech fall Will Betancourt (Rider) 18-3 (6:43) / Lock Haven 12-4
141: #17 Wyatt Henson (Lock Haven) tech fall Branden Palcko (Rider) 21-5 (4:48) / Lock Haven 17-4
149: #15 Sammy Alvarez (Rider) dec. #32 Lucas Kapusta (Lock Haven) 9-3 / Lock Haven 17-7
157: Nick Stampoulos (Lock Haven) dec. #27 Colton Washleski (Rider) 9-4 / Lock Haven 20-7
165: #30 Enrique Munguia (Rider) dec. Caden Dobbins (Lock Haven) 9-5 / Lock Haven 20-10
174: #31 Avery Bassett (Lock Haven) major dec. Michael Wilson (Rider) 15-6 / Lock Haven 24-10
184: #14 Isaac Dean (Rider) dec. #23 Colin Fegley (Lock Haven) 5-2 / FINAL, Lock Haven 24-13
*Match started at 197 pounds
**Individual Ranking = NCAA Coaches’ Ranking (Jan. 23)
Attendance: 907
Schedule Change:
The Lock Haven men’s wrestling team has announced a schedule game. The Bald Eagles’ match scheduled for next week vs. Cleveland State has been moved to Thursday, Feb. 13 and it will be held at Franklin High School in Franklin, Pa. The dual will start at 7 p.m.
Up Next for Lock Haven:
The Bald Eagles will be right back in action Saturday (Feb. 8) as they make the short trip west to take on longtime rival Clarion in Mid-American Conference action (7 p.m.).
