West Virginia 23 Michigan State 12

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Behind the momentum of four straight victories that helped build a 17-0 lead to open the match, the West Virginia University wrestling team defeated Michigan State, 23-12.

With the victory, the Mountaineers now move to 3-2 overall on the season and the Spartans fall to 2-4.
Brutus Scheffel

“It was significant and impactful for us to build that 17-0 lead in the beginning,” said coach Craig Turnbull. “Starting the match with some pace and getting wins under our belt was critical.”

Junior Shane Young (125) got WVU off to a quick start as he scored three takedowns in the first period of his matchup against Brenan Lyon. The takedowns helped build an 8-2 lead. Young was called for a penalty point in the third period, but rebounded with yet another takedown, which made the score 10-3. Young had a total of 1:25 of riding time, which gave him an 11-3 major decision.

Redshirt sophomore Nathan Pennesi (133) followed Young’s major decision with a major decision of his own. The Latrobe, Pa., native successfully converted a takedown attempt in the final 30 seconds of his match that gave him the 8-0 victory.

“Nathan was so much more comfortable this week at 133 pounds, and that looked a lot more like the Nathan we are use to seeing,” Turnbull said. “It was a great effort by Nathan and Shane to get the bonus points that made a difference in the team score.”

Sophomore Michael Morales, who was wrestling his second match of the season for the Mountaineers, pinned Brian Gibbs 3:20 into their 141-pound matchup. After starting from bottom position, Morales scrambled and was able to score a reversal from which he pinned Gibbs.

Redshirt freshman Brutus Scheffel (149) continued the WVU momentum swing, as he upset No. 23 Dan Osterman in a 9-6 decision. Scheffel fell behind early in the match, 4-1, but was able to rally in the second period. Scheffel converted three takedowns in the second period that gave him an 8-6 advantage. An escape point in the third period proved to be enough for the victory.

“It felt great to get avenge the loss I had against Osterman at the Reno Tournament of Champions,” said Scheffel. “Most of the points he had in the first period were from my mistakes, so I just tried to stay after him. We had momentum heading into my match, but we had it even more after I was able to win.”

After three straight decision victories by Michigan State, WVU’s lead was cut to 17-9.

Redshirt senior Matt Ryan (184) helped pushed the Spartans near the edge though, when he defeated John Rizqallah by a narrow 3-2 to margin. Ryan and Rizqallah finished regulation time tied at 2-2, but Ryan earned the riding time point with a total of 2:36 on top.

Redshirt senior Brandon Williamson (HWT) closed out the victory for the Mountaineers, as he defeated Steve Andrus in a close 6-4 decision. Williamson converted a takedown with under 15 seconds remaining in the third period that sealed the victory.

WVU will return to action this Saturday and Sunday, when they host dual meets against Bloomsburg and Clarion. Saturiday’s action is set begin at 7:30, and Sunday’s match will begin at 2 p.m.

Results
125: Shane Young (WVU) def. Brenan Lyon (MSU), 11-3
133: Nathan Pennesi (WVU) def. Brandon Fields (MSU), 8-0
141: Mike Morales (WVU) def. Brian Gibbs (MSU), 3:20 pin
149: Brutus Scheffel (WVU) def. Dan Osterman (MSU), 9-6
157: Anthony Jones Jr. (MSU) def. Dominic Prezzia (WVU), 4-2
165: David Cheza (MSU) def. Kyle Eason (WVU), 5-0
174: Curran Jacobs (MSU) def. Lance Bryson (WVU), 3-1
184: Matt Ryan (WVU) def. John Rizqallah (MSU), 3-2
197: Nick McDiarmid (MSU) def. Mac Mancuso (WVU) 7-2
HWT: Brandon Williamson def. (WVU) Steve Andrus (MSU), 6-4