The Virginia wrestling team went undefeated in North Carolina this weekend, topping conference opponents Duke and N.C. State in dominant fashion.
During the match against Duke Friday night, Virginia (16-5, 3-1 ACC) soon took control of the bout and easily posted a 38-3 victory - Virginia's largest margin of victory in an ACC match since 1984. Extra points built up quickly for the Cavaliers, with consecutive pins by freshman Matt Snyder and sophomores Derek Valenti and Derek Ebbott, as well as a technical fall scored by sophomore Danny Gonsor.
During the 197-pound match, senior Brent Jones squared off against John Barone of Duke. After three periods, the score was even at 10, sending the matchup into a sudden victory period. Jones clinched the victory 10 seconds into the extra frame with a takedown, giving the Cavaliers their ninth straight win on the night. Their only loss came in the heavyweight class, as junior Jack Danilkowicz fell to NCAA runner-up Konrad Dudziak.
Virginia's momentum carried into its contest against N.C. State Saturday afternoon, as the squad proved even more in control than the night before, winning 45-6. All but one of Virginia's nine victories were good for extra points, and four falls were recorded in the match. Snyder and Ebbott picked up their second falls of the weekend, followed by Danny Gonsor and Brent Jones. Gonsor's pin came 1:06 into his fight, the fastest of the afternoon. The Cavaliers also had two technical falls, by senior Ross Gitomer and junior Chris Henrich.
Not all was good news for Virginia during the weekend, however. Junior Pat Riley suffered an injury late during the first period of his 165-pound bout against the Wolfpack's Ray Ward and had to take an injury default. This was N.C. State's only scoring opportunity of the afternoon.
The 45 points the Cavaliers scored Saturday were the most they ever had posted in an ACC match, topping the previous mark of 44 set in 1984.
Virginia returns to Memorial Gymnasium for its final home match of the season Saturday against Maryland.
-compiled by William Hrachovina
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