NEWBERRY- The Newberry wrestling team ( 2-3, 2-1 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas) displayed strong performances up and down the lineup on Thursday evening as they came away with a 23-16 victory over King University (3-6, 2-2). The Wolves kept up the hot streak against the Tornados, picking up their eighth consecutive win against the program. The Tornados had to forfeit two duals, causing them to give up 12 points to the Wolves. 

The dual began at 125 where Newberry's Josh Aquino lost a hard-fought 12-4 major decision to King's Rylee Billings, giving the Tornados an early 4-0 lead in the dual.

Newberry quickly transitioned as junior Austin Neal found himself in a battle against Jacob Wynn during the 141 pound division bout. The two wrestlers were unable to make anything happen within the first minutes of the match, resulting in several stalemates. Both wrestlers demonstrated strong elbow control and traded takedown attempts but it was Neal that was able to capitalize with five seconds left in the first period. Neal continued to display his athleticism and made adjustments to separate himself from Wynn prevailing victorious by decision, 8-3. 

After two consecutive forfeits at the 149 and 157 pound division, the Wolves found themselves leading 15-4. The following dual provided the fans with the most entertaining dual of the night as Newberry's Nick Giantono and King's Cory Collins put on a wrestling clinic. Gaintono and Collins started off the dual by trading two points within the first minute. Giantonio continued on top throughout the first period, accumulating riding time but Collins would put the pressure back on Giantono after securing two points with a few seconds to go in the second period. Gaintono fired right back within 10 seconds of the final period, earning a takedown but gave up a reversal which gave Collins the victory by an 8-7 decision. 

The Wolves ramped up the pace during the next two duals. Nestor Nunez (174) came out with energy and eventually put the dual out of reach as he prevailed over Elijah Davis. Nunez showed power within the first minutes of the match, securing a front leg lock for a quick takedown. Nunez remained consistent throughout the match, extending his lead each period resulting in a 19-8 major decision. 

Caleb Spears (184) followed his teammates' footsteps by securing a major decision of his own. Spears showed some patience after King's Matthew Danner went for several quick takedowns in the first period. Spears showcased his experience, using hand control and keeping Danner close which led to quick takedowns. The 15-4 major decisions extended the Wolves lead 23-7. 

The Wolves gave up six points during the 197 lb bout as the Tornado's nationally ranked Elijah Seay pinned Keenan Graham in 1:49. Newberry was unable to earn any points back in the following bout as Cade Ridley defeated Devon Rice by decision 4-0, concluding the dual with a 23-16 final score. 

Newberry continues their road stretch as they travel to Franklin Springs, Ga. on Feb. 4 to face Emmanuel College. The conference matchup is set to commence at 7 p.m.