Rutgers Triumphs Over Maryland in a Big Ten Showdown
In a captivating Big Ten wrestling match-up, Rutgers University showed their might and mettle by outmaneuvering the University of Maryland with a convincing 27-12 victory. The encounter saw the Scarlet Knights advance their claim as a top team in collegiate wrestling. Tonight's special guests included Frankie Edgar and Sebastian Rivera were in attendance, supporting the hometown program they were once part of.
The event commenced with a technical fall by Dean Peterson at 125 pounds that set Rutgers on a victorious path, leading 5-0. The momentum was sustained through a series of bouts where the Scarlet Knights' superiority came to the fore. At 133 pounds, Shawver’s tactical acumen saw him secure crucial points with a late takedown. At 141 pounds, the first period saw both wrestlers measuring each other in neutral, with the second period dominated by riding time. Moore's escape and a final scramble saw Rutgers extend their lead to 11-0. The 149-pound bout had Cetta battling hard but ultimately falling after a series of takedowns from Maryland, putting the Terrapins on the scoreboard with a 13-3 win.
At 157 pounds took an early lead and kept it neutral in the second. The third period brought excitement as Al Desantis capitalized on a Maryland mistake for a near fall, winning 12-5 and increasing Rutgers' lead to 14-4. At 165 pounds, Anthony White's match was a display of strategic wrestling and timely defense, earning a hard-fought 7-4 victory to push Rutgers further ahead 18-4.
The upper-weight classes were no less thrilling, with each wrestler battling not just their opponent but also the mounting pressure as the match progressed. Jackson Turley batted in it out in a dead even match featuring a series of scrambles and takedown attempts with the only points coming from being cut loose on bottom position. Rutgers picked up the 1-0 victory at 175 pounds, earned through strategic defense and positioning. Brian Soldano's assertive performance at 184 pounds filled Jersey Mike's Area with loud cheers as he was able to pick up the fist pin on the night.
Maryland, not to be outdone, showcased their resilience in the last two matches of the evening. In the 197-pound bout, where Jaxon Smith managed a tech fall over Hadyn Packer who stepped in for Rutger's 197lb. starter, John Pozanski. At HWT Yaraslau Slavikouski fell short to Maryland's Seth Nevills in a battle that could have gone either way. Ultimately, Rutgers did enough early on to walk away with the 27-12 win and move on to 4-4 in the Big Ten.
As Rutgers revels in their triumph, they carry with them the momentum and confidence that such a victory against a conference opponent, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year at the Big Ten Tournament.