In its first match of the season, the wrestling team put up a strong fight at No. 14 Pittsburgh on Nov. 8. Joe Stolfi ’15, Paul Petrov ’16, and Tyler Smith ’18 all defeated their opponents on the day.

Despite the 22-11 loss, the Orange and Blue started strong with an early 8-3 advantage in the team score. Three first-years appeared in their first collegiate match. Zach Valley ’18 fell 5-1 at 133 pounds, and Tom Sleigh ’18 was defeated 18-6 at 184, but participating in their first matches for the University supplied plenty of excitement. Smith’s first career win was an 18-3 victory at 141 and was one of the highlights of the day.

Petrov and Stolfi started right where they left off from last season. No. 20 Petrov took the win by decision 8-6 at 125. On the other end of the spectrum, Stolfi, ranked 13th, defeated his opponent by decision 7-2 at 285. Stolfi’s victory closed the match on a high note.

Other Bison wrestlers include Victor Lopez ’17, Rustin Barrick ’16, Robert Schlitt ’16, Joey Krulock ’17, and Tyler Lyster ’15.

Although the Bison opened up the season with a loss, the match was an improvement over the 30-12 defeat from a year ago against the Panthers. It was certainly a big measure of skill against one of the top teams in the country.

The Bison will be off for a weekend before heading out to the Navy Classic on Nov. 22 in Annapolis.