Winchester, Va. – The Southern Virginia University men's wrestling team fought valiantly but came up just short in a tightly contested dual against Shenandoah University, falling 26-19.
The Knights set the tone early with an emphatic win by Matthew Papa in the 125-pound weight class. Continuing his strong start to the season, Papa dominated from the outset, employing aggressive armbars and relentless pressure. Despite Shenandoah's defensive efforts, including multiple stalemates, Papa secured a decisive 16-3 major decision victory with a late double-leg takedown.
In the 133-pound class, Francisco Ramirez battled hard but faced a tough opponent. After keeping it close through the second round, the Hornets pulled away in the third, resulting in a 15-4 major decision loss for Ramirez.
Richie Kulessa (141 pounds) engaged in a match marked by intense hand-fighting and ground defense. Despite his efforts, he was unable to overcome his opponent's control, dropping a narrow 3-0 decision.
Porter Kinne (149 pounds) faced early adversity, giving up a takedown and near-fall points in the first round, which ultimately led to a pin.
Mason Smith (157 pounds) also struggled in the opening moments of his match, conceding back-to-back single-leg takedowns and a near-fall early. Despite a valiant effort in the final two rounds, Smith fell 14-1 in a major decision.
Trailing 17-4 at the break, the Knights found their momentum in the upper weight classes.
Noah James (165 pounds) showcased his season-long improvement with a spirited effort, executing several strong techniques. However, he fell short in a 10-4 decision.
Tyson Hoopes turned the tide for Southern Virginia in the 184-pound class with a gritty 5-2 victory. After a back-and-forth opening round, Hoopes displayed remarkable endurance and composure in the third, securing the win with a well-timed escape and a penalty point.
Ikia Garcia kept the Knights' hopes alive in the 174-pound class, delivering a thrilling performance. Following a competitive first period, Garcia found his rhythm with a takedown and near-fall in the second round. He capped off the match with a dominant pin in the third.
Loyal Holm brought the energy in the 197-pound division, starting explosively with powerful takedowns. Holm maintained his momentum and secured a first-round pin for a commanding victory.
Porter Trapp (285 pounds) concluded the dual but suffered an early pin in the first round.
Despite the narrow defeat, the Knights demonstrated growth and resilience throughout the dual. With a short reprieve, the team now turns its attention to the Cougar Duals, hosted by Averett University in Danville, Va.
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