The Shippensburg University wrestling team traveled to West Liberty University in West Virginia on Saturday to wrestle off against Super Region I opponent West Liberty.
In what was the team’s 10th victory of the season, SU took down West Liberty, 31-12 in tremendous fashion. Now sitting high on a 10-6 record, the Raiders devastated West Liberty with seven wins in the last eight bouts to cap off the great evening. Not only did the Raiders win most of their bouts, but they did so with two pins, one major decision and one forfeit.
Now 4-11, West Liberty was ahead 9-0 before the initiation of the third bout of the night. Junior Karl Lightner, sophomore Cody Blankenship and freshman Adam Martz all picked up victories in three consecutive bouts to bring their squad above West Liberty, 10-9, before the Raiders’ final loss of the evening at the 165-pound weight class.
In junior Colton Rebert’s first match since Nov. 21, he wrestled hard and fought to obtain a pin for the Raiders, which was one of the key victories leading to Shippensburg’s win over West Liberty.
Sporting a 12-10 deficit, Shippensburg won four straight matches, beginning with the 174-pound weight class, including a clutch forfeit at heavyweight and a pin from Rebert and redshirt freshman Shane Springer, leading to the team’s 31-12 victory.
Once again, Evan Ramos proved to be the most dominant force in Division II, defeating his opponent at the 197 pound weight class, 10-3.
At 165 pounds, senior Mark Lentz battled against the No. 5 ranked 165-pounder in the Super Region I, being unable to defeat him with a 7-6 loss.
Lentz, who has fought hard all year and has had a great year, almost beat the impressive adversary and proved his worth and his prowess within the Super Region I and PSAC.
The Raiders will host University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown in Heiges Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7.p.m.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.