No. 4 AU Cruises Through Day 1 Of Region II Duals

No. 4 AU Cruises Through Day 1 Of Region II Duals

No. 4-ranked Ashland University wrestling wasted no time making a statement at the Region II Duals in Belmont, N.C., on Friday (Jan. 26).

The Eagles (6-4) topped Coker, 42-3, and host Belmont Abbey, 37-6. The Cobras aren't ranked, but tied for the most votes received in the National Wrestling Coaches Association poll released on Jan. 18.

Ashland totaled six pins, four technical falls and three major decisions in 20 matches on the day.

AU's No. 1-ranked senior Luke Cramer passed his first test of the weekend, defeating CC's No. 4 Luis Peguero, 4-0, at 197 pounds. Cramer's record is 12-0 this season.

Senior Jordan Murphy, No. 2 at 184, is now 13-0 throughout 2017-18, as he pinned two opponents in a total of 2:59.

Sebastian Vidika (12-11), a 125-pound junior, defeated both of his opponents by technical fall. He won the first match, 15-0, and the second, 16-0.

Ashland's team leader in wins by a wide margin now has 28 this season, accompanied by just three losses, as No. 3 165-pound sophomore Bret Romanzak was the other of the four Eagles to win twice on Friday.

The other Eagles to pick up wins by way of fall were sophomore Jerry Fenner III (12-8 at 133), freshman Sid Ohl (8-5 at 157), junior Deaken McCoy (11-8 at 285) and senior J.J. Diven (13-5 at 157).

No. 11 senior Bob Mason (11-4 at 141) lost his second match, but won his first via tech fall. No. 12 junior Lawrance Dudgeon (13-8) at 133) and freshman Carson Speelman (7-4 at 149) won by major decision. Freshman Tristen Weirich (12-7 at 285) and No. 11 sophomore Christian Price (17-8 at 174) won by decision.

And freshman Dustin Marteney (14-7) picked up a victory in overtime at 149.

Ashland is set to face No. 22 King, Limestone (RV), No. 13 Newberry and Queens at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, on the final day of the Region II Duals tomorrow.

 

 

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