The Virginia wrestling team announced its arrival Saturday with two historic wins at the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. The Cavaliers beat Purdue (16-15) and Michigan State (29-10) back-to-back, posting the program's first wins against Big Ten opponents.
Virginia narrowly defeated Purdue as No. 11 Virginia junior Eric Albright beat Purdue redshirt freshman Matt Hemry by a major decision. Each team won five matches, and nine of the 10 matches were won by decision.
The Cavaliers won seven of their 10 matches against Michigan State, including two pins. Junior Rocco Caponi and freshman Danny Gonsor won via fall. Caponi, currently ranked No. 9 in the country, won his match against Purdue as well.
The two most anticipated matches of the Virginia-Michigan State meet, the 133- and 197-pound weight classes, both went to the Spartans. No. 9 Albright lost by decision to No. 6 sophomore Franklin Gomez 7-1 at 133 pounds, while No. 20 sophomore Brent Jones lost to No. 14 senior Joe Williams 10-2 at 197 pounds.
Virginia travels to the Northeast Duals in Troy, N.Y. Saturday to face Lehigh, No. 8 Cornell and No. 5 Michigan.
-- compiled by Conor Wakeman
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