EDINBORO, PA – The University at Buffalo wrestling team
fell short to 23rd nationally-ranked Edinboro, 19-17, on Saturday
evening at McComb Fieldhouse. Saturday's dual marked the
fourth straight nationally-ranked opponent the Bulls have
faced.
After dropping an opening decision at 125, the Bulls rattled off
four straight victories to take a 17-3 lead. Sophomore Kevin Smith
began Buffalo's string of victories as he earned a 13-5 major
decision over the Fighting Scots' Ashton Osterberg.
Freshman Andrew Schutt followed suit at 141 with a major decision
over Boro's Joel Webster, 13-2. Schutt's victory was
his fifth career dual victory and 10th overall.
At 149, sophomore Desi Green pinned Edinboro's Kory Bissett
in 2:33. With his victory by fall, the 17th nationally-ranked
wrestler earned his first dual victory by fall of the season and
his 30th career dual victory.
Senior Andrew Stella continued UB's string of victories at
157 with a 7-5 decision over Boro's John Greisheimer. The
Fighting Scots captured a major decision at 165 followed by
consecutive decisions in the next four bouts to rally from a
14-point deficit to capture the 19-17 victory.
"In the face of defeat, I am proud of our guys and the effort
they gave. We battled them in each bout. Kevin started it off for
us and Andrew [Schutt], Desi and Andrew [Stella] kept it
going", said head coach Jim Beichner. "It looked as if
we were going to defeat the 23rd-ranked team in the nation. We
outwrestled them and the team knows it. We are not happy especially
knowing how close we were to victory."
Buffalo (7-4-1) will continue on the road as they travel to Cornell
University on Friday, January 23 to compete in the New York State
Intercollegiate Wrestling Championships.