Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Army
Bucknell Drops Dual-Meet Opener to Army, 19-14
11/20/2007 7:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 20, 2007
WEST POINT N.Y. - The Bucknell wrestling squad responded with five wins in the final seven bouts, but could not pull off the comeback, dropping 19-14 decision to Army to open the team's dual meet schedule in West Point, N.Y., on Tuesday evening. With the loss, the Bison fall to 0-1 (0-1 EIWA) while the Black Knights improve to 2-2, (1-0 EIWA).
Army began the evening with a victory at 197 as Richard Starks defeated sophomore Sean LoCurto (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City), 6-0. Heavyweight Nathan Thobaben followed up for the Black Knights with a 12-1 major decision over sophomore George Hingson (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area).
With a 15-3 major decision by No. 16 Fernando Martinez over freshman José Matos (Williamstown, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) at 125, Army increased its advantage to 11-0 in the team score.
Then in a high-scoring bout that went down to the wire, No. 14 sophomore 133-pounder David Marble (Harpursville, N.Y./Harpursville Central) battled back from a 7-2 deficit to defeat Whitt Dunning, 14-13, giving Bucknell its first three points of the evening.
After a 13-3 major decision by the Black Knights' Matt Kyler over freshman Eric Harris (Green River, Wyo./Green River) at 141, freshman 149-pounder Kevin LeValley (Hugo, Colo./Limon) posted a 9-3 win for the Bison, downing Casey Thome for his ninth victory of the season.
However, Army answered with another bonus point win at 157 as Christian Snook notched an 11-1 major decision against freshman Ryan Ochalek (Oil City, Pa./Oil City).
Trailing 19-6, the Bison still had the opportunity to rally, but needed bonus points to do so. The Black Knights held on for the victory despite wins for the Orange and Blue at the final three weights. No. 17 sophomore Andy Rendos (Brockway, Pa./Brockway Area) defeated Brian Rowan, 7-1 at 165, sophomore Shane Riccio (Warren, N.J./Watchung Hills) recorded a 4-2 win over Dean Gaier in the 174-pound bout and freshman David Thompson (West Liberty, Ohio/Graham Local) finished out the night's action with a 5-3 decision at 184 against Ryan Mergen.
Bucknell will next travel to Troy, N.Y., on Saturday, Nov. 24 for the Northeast Duals where the squad will face Michigan, Appalachian State and Hofstra.
