Hokies win share of regular season titleHokies win share of regular season title
Wrestling

Hokies win share of regular season title

BLACKSBURG – The No. 9 Virginia Tech wrestling team held down the fort in the last dual of the season with a victory over Commonwealth foe, University of Virginia, in Cassell Coliseum on Friday night. Highlighting the night were seniors Collin Gerardi, Hunter Bolen, and Mekhi Lewis picking up wins in their final bout in Cassell Coliseum and the Hokies securing a share of the regular season title.
 



The night started with a moving Senior Night ceremony recognizing graduating seniors Mekhi Lewis, Hunter Bolen, Collin Gerardi, Jordan Florence, Brandon Wittenberg, and Drew Nicholson and athletic training students, Caroline Johnson, Taylor Connor, and Ella Anderson. The group was honored for their time, legendary accomplishments, and embodiment of the Hokie spirit during their time in Blacksburg. Among the group, Lewis does have a year of eligibility remaining.
 


 
Following Senior Night recognition, it was No. 8 Caleb Henson getting things started for the Hokies. The freshman took on another ranked opponent in No. 27 Jarod Verkleeren in what was an uphill battle for the Hokie right to the end. Henson found himself down 1-4 at the end of the first but put on a gritty second period rideout in the second period to minimize any damage and pick up riding time advantage. Henson continued his aggressive effort and garnered a takedown in the final 0:40 with two back points to secure the 9-4 decision for another victory over another ranked opponent.
 


 
No. 5 Bryce Andonian got back on track in his signature style scoring 8 points in the first minute against Virginia's Jake Keating. Keating attempted an inside trip to be met by an Andonian bodylock counter right into a fall at the 1:32 mark for the Hokie.
 


 
In what could possibly be his last match in Cassell Coliseum, it was No. 3 Mekhi Lewis in utter domination and the Hokies never looking back in the dual. Lewis was aggressive early and often with three takedowns on Virginia's Vic Marcelli heading into the third period. The Hokie added a power double in the third period right to back points before converting for the eventual 6:07 fall and a standing ovation from the crowd. Fitting way for the Hokie great to possibly have his last match in Cassell. Ending fit for a king.
 


 
Following up for the home team was No. 7 Hunter Bolen at 184-pounds in his last match in Cassell Coliseum after a storied career. Bolen would take on No. 16 Neil Antrassian and control the bout after a close first period. Bolen would rack up over 2:00 of riding time and three takedowns to secure the 8-3 decision and the 97th win of his Hokie career. At the end of seven minutes it was a standing ovation for the Christiansburg Cowboy.
 


 
No. 22 Andy Smith took out No. 25 Michael Battista in a 1-1 battle into sudden victory after seven minutes of regulation. Smith was right into offense at the start of sudden victory and secured the high c for two to end the bout 3-1 and add to the Hokies' tally. It was much of the same at heavyweight with No. 19 Hunter Catka going into sudden victory against Ethan Weatherspoon. It was all Catka in the sudden victory with a high single and converted to back points for the 5-1 decision victory.
 
Into 125-pounds, it was redshirt freshman No. 23 Eddie Ventresca getting things started for the Hokies. Ventresca faced Cavalier, Patrick McCormick in the first bout of the night and picked off where he left off with three takedowns throughout the bout en route to a dominant 8-1 decision. Continuing the momentum was No. 6 Sam Latona taking the mat against Virginia's Marlon Yarborough II. Latona was on brand with four takedowns in a dominant 11-4 decision at 133-pounds.
 
With the final match in Cassell of the evening and his final match, it was redshirt senior Collin Gerardi with the 2-0 decision over Dylan Cedeno. It was scoreless after the first but Gerardi put on a gritty second period rideout to gain riding time advantage heading into the third. With :14 left remaining in his riding time advantage, Gerardi managed an escape and held on for the 2-0 decision to a standing ovation from Hokie Nation to close out his Hokie career.
 


 
The Hokies return to action on March 5 in Raleigh, North Carolina for the 2023 ACC Championships.

No. 9 Virginia Tech - 33, Virginia - 3
Results
125 – No. 23 Eddie Ventresca DEC Patrick McCormick (Virginia), 8-1
133 – No. 6 Sam Latona DEC Marlon Yarbrough II (Virginia), 11-4
141 – Collin Gerardi DEC Dylan Cedeno (Virginia), 2-0
149 – No. 8 Caleb Henson DEC No. 27 Jarod Verkleeren (Virginia), 9-4
157 – No. 5 Bryce Andonian FALL Jake Keating (Virginia), 1:32
165 – No. 27 Connor Brady loss No. 17 Justin McCoy (Virginia), 4-5
174 – No. 3 Mekhi Lewis FALL Vic Marcelli (Virginia), 6:03
184 – No. 7 Hunter Bolen DEC No. 16 Neil Antrassian (Virginia), 9-5
197 – No. 22 Andy Smith DEC No. 25 Michael Battista (Virginia), 3-1 SV
285 – No. 19 Hunter Catka DEC Ethan Weatherspoon (Virginia), 5-1 SV

Gallery: (2-17-2023) WRE: UVA Match