By Joe Ruby
Writer
The wrestling team earned its first EIWA win Thursday, defeating Army (7-7, 2-5) by a score of 25-12 in Davis Gym. The Senior Night victory improved the Bison’s record to 6-10 overall, 1-4 in the conference and 4-3 at home.
Derek Reber ’12 began the scoring for the Bison with a 5-2 overtime victory at 125 lbs. Army’s Jordan Thome caught Alex Pellicciotti ’14 with a quick move to earn a second-period fall and put Army on top 6-3. Pellicciotti was winning the match 2-0 at the time.
At 141 lbs, Zac Hancock ’13 suffered an injury two minutes into the scoreless bout, falling backwards onto the mat after suffering a blow to the head. Army was awarded the medical forfeit, increasing its lead to 12-3.
The Orange and Blue won the next seven bouts, with seniors Kevin LeValley, Brantley Hooks, David Thompson, Rob Waltko and Jay Hahn each posting victories. Corey Lear ’13 and Joe McMullan ’13 also won their bouts, giving the Bison consecutive victories for the first time this year. LeValley, who improved to 24-1 on the year, earned his 13th bonus-point victory with a major decision. Thompson’s victory came in overtime, and Hooks, Lear, Waltko and McMullan each won their bouts by a single point.
The Bison finish their season this weekend, traveling to EIWA foes Brown tomorrow and American on Sunday. The Bison will host the EIWA Championships on March 5 and 6.