Hokie ClubCHAPEL HILL, NC – Despite winning five bouts, No. 8 Virginia Tech Wrestling (3-2, 0-1) dropped a tight dual to No. 25 North Carolina (5-4, 1-0) in Carmichael Arena, 17-20. The Hokies were without No. 1 Caleb Henson and No. 12 Connor McGonagle but picked up wins from Sam Latona, Rafael Hipolito, Jr., Mac Church, Andy Smith, and Jimmy Mullen.
Who Got It Done
- The dual started at 165-pounds featuring No. 25 Mac Church for the Hokies against true freshman Collin Carrigan of North Carolina. Church would register three takedowns for the Hokies along with a set of three back points, an escape and riding time to give the Hokies a 4-0 lead to open the dual.
- 8 Andy Smith had to dig deep but would find a cradle for the winning takedown in sudden victory over North Carolina’s Cade Lautt at 197-pounds. Smith was the aggressor throughout the bout but would have to lean on his counterattack in extra time to secure the match-winning takedown.
- 15 Jimmy Mullen was relentless against Nolan Neves at 285-pounds – picking up a 20-8 major decision thanks to five takedowns, an escape, riding time, and three stall points to his credit.
- At 141-pounds it was the veteran No. 11 Sam Latona wrestling a “whatever it takes” bout against No. 27 Jayden Scott. Latona would be in on multiple attacks through the match but couldn’t find a finish thus relying on a riding point and escape to take the bout and give the Hokies a chance to win the dual.
- After giving up bonus points at 149-pounds with national champion and top-ranked Caleb Henson out for the dual, it was No. 13 Rafael Hipolito, Jr. looking to give the Hokies a last effort chance to win the dual. Hipolito would need a pin but would secure the 14-7 decision despite heavy offense attempts throughout the bout.
Tech returns to action on Sunday, January 19 in Boone, NC against Appalachian State at 3 p.m. EST.
Virginia Tech – 17, North Carolina – 20
Dual Results (Dual started at 165-pounds)
165 – No. 25 Mac Church (VT) | MAJ DEC | Collin Carrigan (UNC), 14-2
174 – No. 20 Joshua Ogunsanya (UNC) | DEC | No. 13 Lennox Wolak (VT), 7-5
184 – No. 26 Gavin Kane (UNC) | FALL | No. 25 TJ Stewart (VT), 0-0, 4:31
197 – No. 8 Andy Smith (VT) | DEC | Cade Lautt (UNC), 4-1 SV
285 – No. 15 Jimmy Mullen (VT) | MAJ DEC | Nolan Neves (UNC), 20-8
125 – No. 20 Spencer Moore (UNC) | DEC | No. 4 Eddie Ventresca (VT), 4-1 SV
133 – No. 15 Ethan Oakley (UNC) | DEC | Dillon Campbell (VT), 4-1 SV
141 – No. 11 Sam Latona (VT) | DEC | No. 27 Jayden Scott (UNC), 2-0
149 – No. 6 Lachlan McNeil (UNC) | TECH FALL | Hunter Mason (VT), 20-4
157 – No. 13 Rafael Hipolito, Jr. (VT) | MAJ DEC | No. 26 Sonny Santiago (UNC), 14-7