Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, VA – No. 10 Virginia Tech wrestling (8-2, 4-1) dismantled visiting No. 18 Pitt (9-6, 2-3) on Valentine’s Day, winning seven of ten bouts for the Hokies’ fifth-straight victory on Friday night. Tech racked up five bonus point victories including an upset victory at 174-pounds on the evening in a pivotal battle in conference standings ahead of next weekend’s final dual.
More Hokie Bonus Magic
- It was No. 26 Lennox Wolak putting the Hokies on the board – and tying the dual after Tech dropped the first two bouts – with a momentum swinging pin over No. 18 Luca Augustine at 174-pounds.
- Finding his stride at the right time reminiscent to last year’s late season run is once again No. 22 Thomas Stewart, Jr. for the Hokies. The returning All-American posted yet another bonus point victory via major decision thanks to big throw and nearfall to start off the bout. The redshirt sophomore would then add more takedowns to give the Hokies the lead and never look back.
- The redshirt freshman No. 13 Jimmy Mullen picked up his biggest win of the season with a dominant major decision over ACC finalist No. 15 Dayton Pitzer. Mullen was tactical on his feet to the tune of four takedowns and riding time to snag the 13-4 victory.
- The return and resurgence of No. 5 Eddie Ventresca continues as he picked up a thrashing victory over No. 23 Nick Babin, 15-1. Ventresca was surgical with three takedowns and four nearfall to secure more bonus points for the Hokies and push his record to 13-3 on the season.
- The graduate transfer No. 15 Connor McGonagle continues to roll in his final year of eligibility with a 13-0 victory on Friday night. Coming off a victory over No. 6 last weekend, McGonagle was busy on the scoreboard with two takedowns, a reversal, and nearfall points to pick up another bonus point in his senior year campaign.
The Vets Finding a Way
- In his second to final match in Cassell Coliseum, No. 10 Sam Latona picked up another ranked victory in savvy fashion against No. 23 Anthony Santaniello. Latona distanced himself with a takedown in the third period to lead 9-4 with riding time locked in his favor and would look to score bonus but just missed the mark as time expired. Latona will take Cassell one final time next Friday night against rival NC State.
- The Hitman dug deep in a controversial bout but found a way to emerge victorious to cap things off in Blacksburg. It was all pressure from No. 1 Caleb Henson from start to finish but couldn’t find an offensive score against a defensive No. 23 Finn Solomon in regulation. The bout would find its way to sudden victory where Henson would get hit with a questionable stall call but the champ responded in kind with a takedown to end the match and dual.
No. 10 Hokies – 28, No. 18 Panthers – 9
Dual Results
125 – No. 5 Eddie Ventresca (VT) | MAJ DEC | No. 23 Nick Babin (PITT), 15-1
133 – No. 15 Connor McGonagle (VT) | MAJ DEC | Tyler Chappell (PITT), 13-0
141 – No. 10 Sam Latona (VT) | DEC | Anthony Santaniello (PITT), 10-7
149 – No. 1 Caleb Henson (VT) | DEC | No. 23 Finn Solomon (PITT), 4-1 SV
157 – No. 22 Dylan Evans (PITT) | DEC | No. 11 Rafael Hipolito, Jr. (VT), 4-1 SV
165 – Jared Keslar (PITT) | DEC | No. 30 Mac Church (VT), 5-1
174 – No. 26 Lennox Wolak (VT) | FALL | No. 18 Luca Augustine (PITT), 4:33
184 – No. 22 Thomas Stewart, Jr. (VT) | MAJ DEC | Chase Kranitz (PITT), 16-4
197 – No. 10 Mac Stout (PITT) | DEC | No. 12 Andy Smith (VT), 7-3
285 – No. 13 Jimmy Mullen (VT) | MAJ DEC | No. 15 Dayton Pitzer (PITT) 13-4