Lynchburg, Va. – Southern Virginia University's men's wrestling team claimed its first conference dual victory with an impressive 37-12 win over Randolph College, showcasing depth and dominance across multiple weight classes.
The match began with a gritty effort from Matthew Papa (125), who mounted an inspiring comeback attempt after trailing 4-13. Papa fought to bring the score to 12-14 before a late reversal and near-pin gave Randolph the majority decision in the opening bout.
The Knights quickly bounced back at 133, where Francisco Ramirez delivered a crucial win. Ramirez opened with a strong takedown and followed up with a powerful body slam before securing a pin just 1:40 into the match, putting Southern Virginia ahead 6-4.
Richie Kulessa (141) battled in a technical match, with both wrestlers remaining on their feet for much of the bout. Although Kulessa managed a single-leg takedown late in the second period, he couldn't overcome his opponent, falling 7-2 as Randolph regained a 7-6 lead in the dual.
The momentum shifted decisively at 149, as Porter Kinne dominated his match. After an early takedown, Kinne worked from the top position and secured a pin with 30 seconds left in the first period, giving the Knights a 12-7 advantage.
At 157, Sawyer Ferry demonstrated exceptional mat control, securing an early takedown and riding time. Despite a strong second period from Randolph, Ferry reversed from the bottom position and sealed a 7-2 decision with another late takedown, extending Southern Virginia's lead to 15-7.
Noah James (165) wrestled aggressively but faced a tough opponent who capitalized on reversals and takedowns. Despite multiple escapes and valiant efforts, James ultimately fell by technical fall, narrowing the Knights' lead to 15-12.
Tyson Hoopes (174) turned the tide back in Southern Virginia's favor with a dominant performance. After an early scramble, putting him behind, Hoopes took the lead with a single-leg takedown and a four-point near fall to close the first period. Starting on top in the second, he maintained relentless pressure and secured a pin, pushing the Knights ahead 21-12.
At 184, Hank Svedin overcame an early 3-1 deficit with a double-leg takedown to end the first period up 7-4. Svedin continued his aggressive pace, adding escapes, takedowns, and a four-point near fall to achieve a commanding 24-6 technical fall, further extending the Knights' lead.
Freshman Britton Sorenson (197) delivered an impressive performance. He opened with a quick takedown but faced a reversal that briefly shifted momentum. Sorenson recovered with a reversal and a four-point near fall to end the first period up 10-2. He wasted no time in the second, adding another near fall before pinning his opponent for a decisive victory.
In the heavyweight bout, Porter Trapp (285) closed out the dual in dominant fashion. After two minutes of hand fighting, Trapp secured a takedown followed by back-to-back four-point near falls. He ended the first period up 12-0 and, after an escape in the second, finished with a 16-0 technical fall to seal the Knights' 37-12 victory.
The Knights now take a break from ODAC competition and will travel to compete at the Will Abele Invitational on Saturday, January 18th, at 10:00 AM.
For all the most up-to-date information regarding Southern Virginia University men's wrestling, please visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_wrestling on Instagram
