Wrestling: WVU Defeats Titans in California Opener
By Steve Stone for MSNsportsNET.com MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University wrestling team got off to a good start in their two-day California road swing by defeating Cal State Fullerton,27-12, in a dual meet on Wednesday, January 2, in Fullerton, Calif. The Mountaineers (2-1) scored an impressive victory over the Titans (3-3) after winning seven of 10 bouts, including two pin falls. WVU received an immediate boost as two-time All-American Brandon Rader (141) returned to the starting lineup after battling a knee injury and pinned Fullerton’s Teddy Astorga in 1:30. Senior Zac Fryling (157) also pinned Devin Velasquez of the Titans in 3:25 to cap a dominant victory. Junior Jared Garvin (133) went the distance in his first start of the season, defeating Armando Gonzalez in a 2-1 decision that lasted two overtimes. In the lightweight division, Kyle Turnbull (125) improved to 2-1 on the season with a 4-2 decision over Andre Gonzalez. At 184 pounds, Kurt Brenner earned an impressive win over No. 14-ranked Ian Murphy. Brenner scored a 3-2 decision to continue his fast start. Senior Jared Villers (197), who leads the team with seven wins, followed with an 8-3 decision over John Drake. Chance Litton (174) also contributed with a 6-0 decision over the Titans’ Todd Noel. Cal State Fullerton followed its first dual loss with a victory over Oregon, 22-17, in the second meet of the night. The Mountaineers return to action on Thursday, January 3, as they face the Cal Poly Mustangs in San Luis Obispo, Calif., at 1 p.m. PT West Virginia 27, Cal State Fullerton 12 |
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