Washington, Pa. – The Southern Virginia University men's wrestling team competed in their second event of the season at Washington & Jefferson University, finishing sixth out of 40 teams with a score of 91.5 points. Competing against strong programs like Gettysburg and Lycoming, the Knights demonstrated resilience and recorded several standout performances.

Matthew Papa (133 lbs) had an impressive showing, pinning his second-round opponent in just 1:47 after a first-round bye. Papa showcased strong technique throughout the tournament, finishing 4th in the 133-pound division.

Richie Kulessa (141 lbs) displayed consistent offensive maneuvers with effective takedowns and escapes. Kulessa's hard-fought victory by majority decision (8-0) propelled him into the second round with a 7-3 win. He continued to persevere through tough matches, securing a close 6-4 win followed by a 9-0 majority decision, ultimately finishing 6th in a competitive weight class.

Porter Kinne (149 lbs) brought intensity to his matches, winning by forfeit in the opening round, followed by a decisive 17-7 majority decision. A swift pin in 2:20, fueled by Kinne's energy, helped him push through challenging rounds, earning him a 4th place finish in the 149-pound division.

Tyson Hoopes (174 lbs) excelled in his weight class, securing multiple pins, including one at 1:25. Hoopes' agility and control shone through in each match, capitalizing on offensive moves to earn high points and a 5th place finish.

Ikia Garcia (184 lbs) added to the Knights' success with a dominant 1:21 pin early on and another at 4:56 in a later round, demonstrating endurance and skill. Garcia's strength in tight matches contributed valuable points to Southern Virginia's standings, and he finished 5th.

Loyal Holm (197 lbs) kept the momentum going with two pins at 1:47 and 1:55, adding crucial points to the team's overall score. Holm's offensive tactics, including takedowns and escapes, were key to his strong performance and earned him a 5th place finish.

Heavyweight Porter Trapp (285 lbs) delivered strong results, securing a pin in 1:55 in his opening match, followed by another pin at 3:28 in the consolation bracket. His takedown and stalling techniques highlighted his strategy throughout the rounds.

The Knights' impressive individual performances underscored the team's growth and potential, building a strong foundation for the season. With contributions from each weight class, Southern Virginia looks forward to building on these achievements in upcoming competitions.

Southern Virginia's Second Team:

• Francisco Ramirez (133 lbs) made a strong impression, winning by pin in just 0:39 after a first-round bye, showcasing his adaptability.

• Sawyer Ferry (141 lbs) had a tough start, falling by majority decision in the opening round and later by pin in the consolation bracket, despite a strong effort.

• Corbin Mecham (149 lbs) delivered an impressive late-round pin at 4:52 but was pinned in the next two rounds.

• Noah James (174 lbs) pinned an opponent in 3:42, followed by a close 4-6 match in the second round. In the consolation bracket, James earned a commanding 17-4 majority decision and a second pin in 1:15, showcasing effective takedowns and escapes.

• Lincoln Trapp (184 lbs) faced a tough opening loss by technical fall before rebounding with a swift 0:37 pin in the consolation bracket. His progress was halted by teammate Ikia Garcia, ending in a technical fall.

• Zol Sukhee (197 lbs) lost in the first round but rebounded with a critical pin at 2:52 before facing teammate Loyal Holm, who pinned him in the first round.

• Jonathan Cox (285 lbs) fought hard despite a last-second pin in the first round, ultimately falling in the consolation bracket.

• Joseph Comoduran (133 lbs) fought through an early pin in the second round after a first-round bye, securing a pin in his next match at 2:32 before losing by technical fall.

The Knights are now prepping for their matchup at the Shenandoah Invitational Saturday November 16th.