This past weekend, Wrestling competed against No. 10 Virginia Tech at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va., losing 19-12.
The Orange and Blue are coming off their season opener, which brought them a sixth-place finish at the Navy Classic. On the other hand, the Hokies look to build off an individual title and two runner-up finishes at the Southeast Open in Virginia.
The Bison fell into an early deficit after a 13-0 run by the Hokies through the first four matches. In the 125-pound classification, Chris Nucifora ’28 fought hard against a two-time All-American Hokie, but ultimately fell short, 5-1. Cade Wirnsberger ’27 broke the Hokies’ 13-0 run with a gritty 6-4 victory, holding off any further takedowns. Noah Mulvaney ’27 earned his second win for the Orange and Blue with a 12-9 sudden victory decision.
Tyler Bienus ’28 and Lucas Lawler ’29 provided a huge spark for the Bison after defeating two ranked Hokies. Bienus triumphed with a first-round takedown and rode the clock out to bring the Orange and Blue back in it, making the score 16-9. Facing an insurmountable lead, Lawler showed out for the Bison with an exciting victory in the heavyweight classification. Lawler held even with his opponent in a 1-1 face off before unleashing a vicious reversal to grab the lead 3-1 and holding out for a major victory, 3-2. Despite a strong rally by the Bison, Virginia Tech prevailed with a final team score of 19-12.
The Bison continue their season at home against No. 18 Oklahoma on Nov. 15.
