Hokie ClubBOONE, NC – No. 11 Virginia Tech wrestling snapped a two-dual losing streak with a dominant win in Boone against the App State Mountaineers on Sunday afternoon. The Hokies won seven out of ten bouts including five via bonus points.
Bonus Point Party
- Ranked No. 5 at 125-pounds, Eddie Ventresca got back to his winning ways with a first period pin to open up the dual in Varsity Gym. Ventresca would garner a takedown early in the first and would turk App State’s Bryson Terrell for the first victory of the match.
- Connor McGonagle returned to the lineup with a major decision after an injury hiatus. McGonagle would secure a takedown early and put on a dominant ride before garnering nearfall via spladle to open up the match en route to the Hokies’ second victory and put the visiting team up by 10.
- The brilliant Brazilian continued his impressive win streak with another bonus point victory. No. 11 Rafael Hipolito was persistent throughout the bout to the tune of four takedowns, an escape, and riding time advantage ending with a 14-5 major decision in his favor.
- Thomas Stewart, Jr. got back to his winning ways with an explosive offensive performance on Sunday. The 2024 All-American would score four takedowns and secure nearfall to end the match early via 21-6 tech fall in 5:07.
- 15 Jimmy Mullen ended the afternoon with a mix offensive barrage of takedowns and nearfall. Mullen would give up a takedown while pursuing his third takedown but would garner a quick escape and wouldn’t look back with three more takedowns and back points to end the match in 5:00 with a 26-9 final score.
Latona and Fisher with Veteran Wins
- 10 Sam Latona showed veteran presence with a savvy win on Sunday. Latona would take the 5-1 decision but would hold his composure despite questionable officiating throughout the match.
- Sam Fisher answered the bell at 197-pounds – a weight class above his usual competition weight – with a veteran 6-1 decision victory over No. 32 Carson Floyd. Fisher would secure two takedowns and hold solid defense to take the win home for the Hokies.
The Hokies are back on the road and return to action on Friday, January 24 against Duke in Cameron Indoor at 7 p.m. Follow Hokies Wrestling on X, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest Hokies Wrestling news and updates.
No. 11 Virginia Tech – 30, App State – 11
Dual Results
125 – No. 5 Eddie Ventresca (VT) | FALL | Bryson Terrell (App St), 3-0, 2:28
133 – No. 19 Connor McGonagle (VT) | MAJ DEC | Chad Bellis (App St) 13-3
141 – No. 10 Sam Latona (VT) | DEC | Aldo Hernandez (App St), 5-1
149 – Kaden Keiser (App St) | DEC | Hunter Mason (VT), 15-10
157 – No. 11 Rafael Hipolito, Jr. (VT) | MAJ DEC | Jeremiah Price (App St), 14-5
165 – No. 8 Will Miller (App St) | DEC | No. 22 Mac Church (VT), 2-1 RO1
174 – Luke Uliano (App St) | TECH FALL | No. 20 Lennox Wolak (VT), 19-3, 7:00
184 – No. 29 Thomas Stewart, Jr. (VT) | TECH FALL | Logan Eller (App St) 21-6, 5:07
197 – Sam Fisher (VT) | DEC | No. 32 Carson Floyd (App St), 6-1
285 – No. 15 Jimmy Mullen (VT) | TECH FALL | Stephan Monchery (App St), 26-9, 5:00