A week after winning an impressive five out of seven fights at home the Shippensburg University boxing team traveled to West Point Military Academy to take on Army this past Saturday. The Raider’s lineup featured some of the less-experienced fighters from SU, and the team went 0-4 at the match, although they gained some valuable experience.
Shippensburg coach Travis Wylie knew that his lineup lacked experience, and wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from his fighters after watching several of them in action only once.
Sophomore Brett Pastore, who won his debut a week ago, battled Joshua Melendez for three full rounds at 165 pounds, but ultimately lost the close fight by decision. Pastore currently wrestles for the Raiders, and shows promise as a young boxer.
“I thought Brett looked really good,” Shippensburg coach Travis Wylie said. “I thought he won his fight against a tough, more experienced opponent, but he didn’t get the decision. I thought he might have gotten robbed; he got hit with a couple of big shots but I think he won the fight.”
Nate Sanders (1-3 NCBA East), the most experienced fighter to take the ring on Saturday, fought Michael Garrett at 145 pounds. The tall sophomore fought a solid bout, but made several key defensive mistakes and was sloppy with his hands at times, according to Wylie, on his way to a loss.
Nafis Brown, who debuted last week in a three-round loss, took on Justin Doreck at 125 pounds. Brown, who looked winded by the end of last week’s fight, looked to be in better condition and although he ultimately lost, Wylie was impressed at his improvements.
“Nafis looked better than he did in his debut last week I thought,” Wylie said. “He was fighting a much more experienced boxer, and although he lost in the end, he is looking better each week.”
Marquis Branson made his ring debut for the Raiders on Saturday, fighting Army’s John Kroc. Unfortunately he lost via technical knockout, but still gained valuable ring experience in the bout.
“I thought the experience our fighters got this weekend should be valuable to them,” Wylie said. “We have some more experienced fighters for us next week, so hopefully we can get back on track.”
The Raiders compete in the Lock Haven Invitational next Saturday in the final match scheduled this season.
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