WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University wrestling team returned home for a conference dual match against Averett University on Thursday afternoon. Despite a strong start, the Hornets (3-5, 1-1) were unable to maintain their momentum, falling to the Cougars 35-11. Shenandoah won three of the first four matches to establish an early 11-5 lead, but Averett secured victories in the remaining six matches to claim the win.
MATCH RESULTS
125 pounds (sponsored by Delta Contractors): Anakin Burks started strong for the Hornets, earning a commanding 13-1 major decision to put Shenandoah ahead 4-0.
133 pounds (sponsored by Morgan Stanley): Xavier Ramsey faced a tough opponent, falling by technical fall as Averett took their first lead of the match.
141 pounds (sponsored by Shenandoah RTC): Sean Rinebolt reclaimed the lead for the Hornets with a gritty 5-1 decision victory.
149 pounds (sponsored by The Valley Chorale): Hunter Ballantine earned another major decision for Shenandoah, narrowly missing a technical fall as time expired, giving the Hornets an 11-5 lead.
157 pounds (sponsored by Stanley's Market): Cannon Long staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 20-7 deficit with two third-period takedowns, but ultimately fell by decision, 21-17.
165 pounds (sponsored by Negley Water): Bryan Mpengo suffered a first-period pin, allowing Averett to retake the lead at 14-11.
174 pounds: Dylan Weaver battled fiercely, building a 7-5 lead late in the third period. However, his opponent secured a late takedown to edge Weaver by an 8-7 decision.
184 pounds: Dylan Wiegert was pinned just before the first period ended.
197 pounds: The Hornets were forced to forfeit this weight class, extending Averett's lead.
285 pounds (sponsored by Gray Construction): Rives Hargis fell by pin in the first period, sealing the Cougars' 35-11 victory.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah University continues its season this weekend at the Will Abele Invitational hosted by Ursinus College. The Hornets will then return home for another conference dual match against Ferrum College on Saturday.
#GoSUHornets
