In the first home meet for the Raiders’ 2015-2016 wrestling campaign, Shippensburg’s young, decorated team of wrestlers took on Long Island University Post on Veterans Day. The match became a close, highly-contested battle between the two Super Region I powerhouses.
Spectators gathered at the first sound of the National Anthem as Heiges Field House skyrocketed with anticipation with a strong number of fans.
Just one minute and 31 seconds after the first whistle rung out for the opening bout, 125-pound freshman Dustin Steffenino had LIU Post’s Tyler Walsh on his back with a pin, starting the Raiders’ evening off strong and providing key momentum.
With six team points headed into the second bout, Shippensburg could not maintain stable momentum as it fell to LIU Post in six consecutive bouts after the opening victory.
High-intensity matches ensued as 141-pound Cody Blankenship showed great mat awareness and determination. He was able to snag four near fall points off a reversal and tilt late in the third period against LIU’s T.J. Fabian.
The quickness and agility of Shippensburg coach Seth Bloomquist’s wrestlers proved to be unwavering as fast-paced, close scoring matches continued throughout the evening. The team’s vast talent was evident as each wrestler fought hard and kept close matches to decisions.
Another close decision was that of Colin Ochs’ 149-pound bout. The bout started with Ochs acquiring one point due to LIU wrestler Matt Langan stalling throughout the first period. A 7-4 LIU decision cost Ochs the close bout and boosted Long Island ahead of Shippensburg in the team scoring, 10-6.
A couple of matches later, Shippensburg sophomore Hunter Fenk, who wrestled at the 184-pound weight class, came out with a fire in his heart as he fought for a quick take-down late in the first period with only 10 seconds left.
Fenk showed his tenacious grip as he chose top for the second period, compiling just over two minutes of riding time. Frustrated, LIU Post’s Rich Grillo picked up an unnecessary roughness call, giving Fenk a point.
In the final seconds of the match, Fenk shot in for a late take-down and obtained his two points while dangling his feet just within the mat’s boundaries.
This victory paved way for Shippensburg sophomore Evan Ramos’ habitual domination over his opponents. Ramos took opponent Jake Horton down multiple times, letting him up with ease and repeating the process.
As Ramos performed an impressive slide-by that led to a two-point take-down in the first period, he pursued authority over the entirety of the match that caused a 21-point accumulation for Ramos.
The tech fall for Ramos was not enough to thrust the Raiders to victory as Shippensburg fell to LIU Post 25-14.
As the team sets sail towards its next opponent, the Purdue University Boilermakers, it makes key adjustments that will hopefully land the Raiders a victory and give it momentum that will carry it throughout the rest of the season.
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