Wrestling: Bryson and Pennesi Place at Reno

By Brian Kuppelweiser for WVUsports.com
December 18, 2011 09:58 PM

Lance Bryson

RENO, Nev. – In the last matches of the day for the West Virginia wrestling team, redshirt sophomore Nathan Pennesi (141) and redshirt junior Lance Bryson (174) each won to place for the Mountaineers at the Reno Tournament of Champions.

The No. 5-seeded Pennesi squared off against Kyle Wirkuty of Southwestern Oregon for fifth place and came away victorious by way of a 4-0 decision.

Bryson, who fought back through the consolation rounds after losing his first match of the day, defeated No. 4-seeded Pat Martinez of Wyoming 4-2 in extra time. Bryson fell behind 2-1 early in extra time, but he then earned an escape point to even the match. Bryson followed the escape with a hard-fought takedown that sealed the victory.

The Mountaineers will now enjoy two weeks off for the holidays before they open the second half of their season with their first home dual meet of the year against defending ACC champion, Maryland on Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Tags
WVU Wrestling, West Virginia Mountaineers