GETTYSBURG, Pa. - The Messiah wrestling team gave it their all on Friday night, but ultimately fell just short in a thrilling 20-19 dual against the Gettysburg Bullets. The Falcons and Bullets tied 19-19 in the dual, but Gettysburg earned the victory by way of criteria 3.21 c after winning mores total points (58-49) in the decisions, major decisions, and technical falls. Despite the tough loss, there were a number of standout performances for the Falcons that deserve recognition.
The dual got off to a strong start for Messiah, as
Caiden Heller picked up a hard-fought 6-4 victory in sudden victory overtime in the 125-pound weight class. This gave the Falcons an early 3-0 lead, and they looked to be in control as the dual got underway.
However, the Bullets quickly fought back and took the lead thanks to a strong performance from Luke Kowalski at 133 pounds. Kowalski earned a pin in just 1:30 to the Bullets in front 6-3.
But the Falcons refused to go down quietly.
Mason Casey responded with a thrilling pin of Jake Stein at 141 pounds to give Messiah the lead once again. Casey's fall came in 4:14. The back-and-forth nature of the dual continued, as Gettysburg's Eric Mougalian earned a dominant 18-4 major decision at 149 pounds put Gettysburg back on top.
Heath Rudolph extended the Bullets' lead with a 7-5 decision at 157 pounds, but
Zach Needles answered with a strong 6-2 decision at 165 pounds to give Messiah the lead.
John Sumner extended the Falcons' advantage with an 11-5 decision at 174 pounds, and
Ryder Slayton's major decision at 184 pounds gave Messiah a 19-13 lead with just two bouts remaining.
However, the Bullets refused to go down without a fight, and Brendan Loder's 12-5 decision at 197 pounds brought them back within striking distance. This set the stage for a dramatic heavyweight bout between Phil Nave and
Hayden Benner, and it was Nave who ultimately came out on top with a 3-1 decision to tie the match 19-19. The difference in the match came down to a takedown late in the second period from Nave.
With the score tied, criteria was used to determine a winner. Both Messiah and Gettysburg earned five victories and each had one fall in the dual. Gettysburg was given the victory thanks to 58 total points in the eight decisions, major decisions, and technical falls. Messiah had 49 total points in the eight matches.
The Falcons will be back in action tomorrow morning when they head to Collegeville, Pa. for the Manganaro Duals against Rhode Island College, University of Southern Maine, New England College, and Ursinus College.
Gettysburg defeats Messiah - 20-19*
125:
Caiden Heller (M) dec. Antonio Abate 6-4 (SV1); (3-0)
133: Luke Kowalski (G) pinned
Joshua Flores 1:30; (3-6)
141:
Mason Casey (M) pinned Jake Stein (G) 4:14; (9-6)
149: Eric Mougalian (G) maj. dec.
Clay Gainer 18-4; (9-10)
157: Heath Rudolph (G) dec.
Garret Cornell 7-5; (9-13)
165:
Zach Needles (M) dec. Justin Richey 6-2; (12-13)
174:
John Sumner (M) dec. Michael Daugherty 11-5; (15-13)
184:
Ryder Slayton (M) maj, dec, Justin Rhyne 11-2; (19-13)
197: Brendan Loder (G) dec.
Joe Embleton 12-5; (19-16)
HWT: Phil Nave (G) dec.
Hayden Benner 3-1; (19-19)
* Bullets win on criteria 3.21.c
