The No. 13 Virginia wrestling team captured the Virginia Duals crown this weekend for the first time in program history, winning all three of its bouts during the two-day tournament. The top-seeded Cavaliers earned victories against Chattanooga, fifth-seeded Kent State, and second-seeded No. 14 Edinboro on their way to the title.
Chattanooga (10-5, 1-0 SoCon) fought valiantly Friday in the first match, but ultimately fell to Virginia (11-2, 1-0 ACC), 18-13. Sophomore Nick Herrmann kicked off the action with a major decision at 125 pounds, while the Cavaliers’ five other victories were all by way of decision. Redshirt-junior Nick Sulzer, the nation’s third-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds, bested junior Corey Mock 13-7 in one of the day’s marquee matchups.
Virginia opened Saturday against a familiar opponent in Kent State (7-6, 2-0 MAC). Earlier in the season, the Cavaliers handed Kent State a 29-12 defeat at the Hokie Duals, but the rematch was much more tightly contested. Trailing 12-10 with three weight classes remaining, Virginia won the final three matches to pull out a 22-12 victory and earn the right to face Edinboro (4-3, 2-0 EWL) in the championship round.
The Cavaliers relied on more late-match heroics to oust the Fighting Scots, 20-19. Herrmann won by decision at 125 pounds, but Edinboro rallied and took the next three matches. Redshirt-sophomore Blaise Butler’s 14-8 victory at 157 pounds whittled the deficit to seven, and Sulzer’s major decision brought Virginia within three. Redshirt-seniors Stephen Doty and Jon Fausey and redshirt-sophomore Zach Nye won the next three to clinch the match and the title for the Cavaliers.
Virginia returns to action this weekend against Old Dominion and ACC foe Duke.
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