In a rather short wrestling dual, lasting just more than 55 minutes, the 19th-ranked Ashland University Eagles prevailed 48-3 on Wednesday (Jan. 13) night over the visiting Case Western Reserve Spartans.
The Eagles collected three pins on the evening, two of which came from true freshmen.
At 141 pounds, freshman Lawrance Dudgeon pinned Case Western's Connor Howlin in 3:29. The victory was Dudgeon's fourth of the season and first by pin.
Freshman Christian Price took down the Spartans' A.J. Vetturini in the 165-pound matchup. Price only needed 2:09 to pin Vetturini. The victory was Price's seventh of the season.
Price Takedown En Route To Pin
The evening's final fall took place at 285. AU senior Nigel Cross pinned CWR's Gavin Dersh-Fisher with just two seconds remaining in the second period. The time of the pin was 4:58. Cross moves to 5-4 on the season.
Head coach Josh Hutchens was proud of his wrestlers and how they performed on the evening. Hutchens had four true freshman in the lineup, all of which won.
"We really wanted those guys (underclassmen) to get experience out there, so they can get in a match like that and finish that way. It's going to go a long way with their confidence," said Hutchens.
At 184, freshman Jared Pack won by major decision 12-4 over CWR's Cito Balsells. The victory was Pack's second this season.
Eagle junior Jordan Murphy (174) took on the Spartans' win leader this season in Nick Lees. Lees came into the match with seven wins under his belt this season. Murphy continued to ride his recent momentum, however, defeating Lees in a major decision, 17-6.
Eagle senior Zeb Beam (157) made quick work of his opponent, Connor Gordon. Beam jumped out early and took the victory in a major decision, 12-3.
The Eagles now turn their attention to the Lake Erie Storm, who will invade Kates Gymnasium on Saturday (Jan. 16) night. The dual meet is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
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