Delaware Valley Defeats Ridge, Secures Spot in the Top 20

by NJ Athletics

coverage by: Marco Morales

Delaware Valley delivered an impressive team performance to defeat Ridge 35-25 in a hard-fought dual meet, a victory that earned the Terriers their well-deserved place in the Top 20 rankings. With clutch performances in pivotal matches, Delaware Valley showcased depth, resilience, and determination to come out on top.

Match Highlights

  • Key Start for Ridge
    Ridge took an early lead, winning four of the first five matches. Ryan Engle opened with a 14-8 decision over Luke Sinkewicz at 157 pounds, and Liam Thoma extended the lead with a dominant 15-3 major decision at 165 pounds. Anthony Valera was able to hold on in a back and forth bout, winning 7-6 at 190 pounds. By 215 pounds, Ridge had built a 16-5 lead, including a pin by Nate Engdahl at 3:07.

  • Momentum Shifts with Luken Alberdi
    Luken Alberdi turned the tide for Delaware Valley at heavyweight, pinning Marko Simonovic in just 1:39. Alberdi’s fall energized the team and marked the beginning of a comeback that Ridge couldn’t stop.

  • Delaware Valley Dominates the Lighter Weights
    The Terriers excelled in the lower weights, winning six consecutive matches from 113 pounds to 138 pounds:

    • Tanner Donaruma secured a 10-2 major decision at 113 pounds.
    • Julian Bednar edged Owen O’Leary in a thrilling 10-9 decision at 120 pounds.
    • Lucas Beyers and Jaden Perez followed with back-to-back victories, including Perez’s 16-0 technical fall in just 2:24.
    • Michael Hasson capped the run with a 14-4 major decision at 138 pounds, putting Delaware Valley firmly in control.

  • Closing the Deal
    After Ridge’s Gavin Duran cut the deficit with a 12-2 major decision at 144 pounds, Delaware Valley’s Jackson Bush sealed the victory with a dominant technical fall (20-4) over William Corbett at 150 pounds. Bush’s performance ensured the Terriers left no doubt about their superiority.

What This Win Means for Delaware Valley

This victory not only solidifies Delaware Valley as one of the top wrestling programs in the state but also highlights the team’s balance and ability to rally in critical moments. From Alberdi’s pin at heavyweight to the decisive run in the lighter weights, the Terriers demonstrated they can win in a variety of ways.

With their new Top 20 ranking, Delaware Valley has momentum on its side and looks poised to make noise in the postseason. If they continue wrestling at this level, the Terriers could be a team to watch in New Jersey wrestling. Del Val looks to roll the momentum over to tomorrow night, as they take on #18 Cranford

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