Pioneers Advance to Quarterfinals of NCWA National Duals

The Alfred State wrestling team had an impressive first day at the NCWA National Duals in Lynchburg, VA. The Pioneers, seeded #9 in the tournament, split a pair of matches in pool play (L 25-19 to #2 Liberty and W 24-15 over NCWA Open Team) and then defeated #8 Penn State Wrestling Club 40-15 in the first round of the championship bracket.

In their opening match of the tournament, the Pioneers gave #2 Liberty all they can handle. Patrick Lehman (Marathon) earned a forfeit win at 125 before Liberty rattled off 18 straight points in the next four matches. Tristan Almeter (Iroquois) earned a 4-1 victory at 165 to cut the lead to 18-9.

After a loss at 165, the Pioneers won the next three matches. George Van Valen (Ithaca) won 2-1 over #6 ranked Taylor Westlake at 184, Brandyn Whitacre (Jamestown) won 17-8 over Austin Amos (ranked #6) at 197, and Mitchell Lattuca (Lancaster) won 5-3 at 235 over Charlie Hancock (ranked #8) to make it a 22-19 contest. Liberty took a tight match in the heavyweight bout to earn the victory.

Versus the NCWA Open team, Gordon Trahan (Canajoarie) pinned his opponent in 5:40 in the 149 lb. match and Van Valen earned a pin in 1:48 to highlight the victory. Konnor Kremer (Horseheads) and Whitacre both received forfeit victories.

In the 1st round of the championship bracket vs. the Penn State Wresting Club, the Pioneers jumped out to a quick lead behind pins by Lehman in 5:44 and Casey Connor (Barnstable, MA) in 6:02. Penn State took the next three matches but the Pioneers won the final six matches. Almeter won 15-0, Kremer won 11-4, Van Valen won 16-0, Whitacre earned a pin in 1:13, Lattuca won 7-3, and Andrews capped the night with a pin in 34 seconds.

The Pioneers will be right back on the mat on Saturday morning when they take on #1 seed Emmanuel in the quarterfinals. Alfred State is guaranteed three matches on the day (12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and are guaranteed a top-8 finish.