NEWBERRY- The Newberry wrestling team (1-3, 1-1 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas) fell to the Limestone Saints after fourteen consecutive victories. The closely contested dual kept fans on their feet as the Wolves led for the majority of the match but the Saints pulled away late, defeating Newberry 23-18.
Newberry and Limestone (8-3, 3-0) showcased a tremendous battle in last year's bout, as the Wolves clinched the conference title by defeating the Saints in the final match of the dual. Senior Paton Gossett knew that it would take a technical fall or fall to win the dual, and did just that by getting the fall in 0:40. With the win, Newberry secured its fourth consecutive conference championship.
This year's anticipation did not disappoint as the two nationally ranked teams put on a show in Eleazer Arena. The match would stay close until the Wolves suffered two disqualifications in a row, causing them to give up a one point lead in the home stretch of the dual.
The Wolves were able to get off to a quick start as sophomore Evan Carrigan opened up the night with a victory. The two wrestlers found themselves in several stalemates throughout the match but Carrigan kept his composure, defeating James Sass by decision, 3-1.
The Saints quickly answered as the No. 12th ranked wrestler at the 133 pound division Majid Corbit, defeated Austin Neal by decision, 12-8.
Isiah Royal picked up his fourth consecutive win in the following bout against John Burger. The No.1 ranked wrestler in the nation proved his value yet again after a highly contested matchup. Royal was patient in the first period as neither opponent could gain a clear advantage but extended his lead in the final period, prevailing by decision 7-3.
The Wolves were able to go up 10-3 as Damian Penichet (149) dominated Phil Ruiz, getting a 9-1 major decision. Penichet clinched the only major decision of the night giving his team four points going into the 157 pound division. The Saints answered back as Kurtis Aimable took a 9-4 decision over Nick Giantono to make the score 10-6.
The Saints took the lead for the first time in the following bout as Garrett Beam defeated Billy Christie by fall in 4:41.
Caleb Spears was able to halt the Saints' from making a run, coming out with intensity against Limestone's Kenneth Prince. Spears kept his team alive by picking up three points after winning by decision 10-6. The two showcased a highly contest bout as they traded points throughout the three periods. Spears was too much for Prince as points via escape were not enough to make a comeback.
The victory elevated the intensity in the arena as the score got tight with Newberry leading by only one point. The Saints were able to pull away in the following match as the Saints' Kyle Daley upset No. 8 ZeBrandon Gant. The Saints were awarded six points after Gant was disqualified due to an accumulation of stalling penalties.
No. 3 ranked Matthew Rudy would put the match out of reach after defeating Marcus Bisono (197) due to a disqualification in the third period. The Saints earned twelve points in two matches, leaving the Wolves without an answer.
The Wolves gained six points back after a forfeit during the last bout of the night, but fell still fell short 23-18.
The Wolves head to Bristol, Tenn. on Thursday, Jan. 30 as they face King University. The conference matchup will commence at 7 p.m.
