DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - On Tuesday night, the Messiah wrestling team earned their second victory of the season over the Delaware Valley Aggies, claiming a 22-19 win. Joshua Paige (157 lbs.), John Sumner (165 lbs.), and Max Martin (184 lbs.) highlighted the effort for the Falcons with victories at the middle weights. Those three victories, combined with a pair of forfeits at 125 lbs. and 133 lbs., gave the Falcons the 22-19 victory over the Aggies.
 
With Tuesday night's dual victory, Messiah claims the season series against the Aggies, 2-1. After dropping the first dual against Delaware Valley on Feb. 13 by a 31-22 final score, Messiah claimed a convincing win on Feb. 16 by a 42-9 final before clinching the series this evening with a tight 22-19 margin.
 
Early Lead from Forfeits
Just as they had in the first two meetings against the Falcons, Delaware Valley forfeited the two lowest weight classes, giving Messiah an early 12-0 lead. Asa Brunk (125 lbs.) and Jordan Howard (125 lbs.) came to the mat for the Falcons to pick up the 12-point advantage.
 
The Aggies responded with a major decision at 141 lbs. and a decision at 149 lbs. to close the gap to 12-7.
 
Paige, Sumner, and Martin earn Victories
Starting with Joshua Paige at 157 lbs. Messiah rattled off three victories in their next four bouts to take control of the match. Paige earned a 10-2 major decision over Zach Zuckerman at 157 lbs. Two first-period takedowns by Paige gave him a 4-1 lead heading to the second. The Messiah junior padded his lead with two more takedowns and an escape in the second period en route to the 10-2 major decision.
 
Up next was John Sumner at 165 lbs. against the Aggies' Chris Richarson. Sumner put together a solid opening period, earning a pair of takedowns and over two minutes of riding time. Despite not picking up another takedown for the remainder of the bout, Sumner enjoyed a 7-4 decision, thanks in large part to his strong opening period.
 
After the Aggies picked up a 4-0 decision at 174 lbs., Max Martin put three more team points on the board for the Falcons with a 6-1 decision at 184 lbs. over Jake Nase. Martin earned a takedown in both the first and second periods while also picking up an escape in the second for the five-point victory.
 
Messiah Holds On
Martin's victory gave the Falcons a 22-10 lead heading into the final two bouts, but Delaware Valley would not go down without a fight. Isaiah Johnson earned a first-period fall for the Aggies at 197 lbs. to pull Delaware Valley within six points at 22-16. Needing a fall in the final match of the night, Delaware Valley's Dan Eckley was only able to earn a 4-3 decision and Messiah was able to hold off the late push for the 22-19 victory.
 
What's Up Next
Messiah will now turn their attention to the undefeated Averett Cougars, whom they will host in Hitchock Arena on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Averett enters Saturday's dual a perfect 10-0, while Messiah improves to 4-3 on the season with the victory on Tuesday night.


Messiah defeats Delaware Valley - 22-19
125 - Asa Brunk (M) wins by for.
133 - Jordan Howard (M) wins by for.
141 - Russell Benson (DV) maj. dec. (8-0) over Ike Bryner (M)
149 - Mike Rubino (DV) dec. (8-5) over Jake Coniglio (M)
157 - Joshua Paige (M) maj. dec. (10-2) over Zach Zuckerman (DV)
165 - John Sumner (M) dec. (7-4) over Chris Richardson (DV)
174 - Youssef Ait Boulahri (DV) dec. (4-0) over Dan Swarr (M)
184 - Max Martin (M) dec. (6-1) over Jake Nase (DV)
197 - Isaiah Johnson (DV) fall (2:58) over Spencer Clements (M)
285 - Dan Eckley (DV) dec. (4-3) over Sam Blevins (M)
 
141 ex - Carter Owen (DV) dec. (9-4) over Asa Brunk (M)
141 ex - Carter Owen (DV) dec. (4-2) over Jordan Howard (M)
 

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