FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga.- The Wolves (3-3, 3-1 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas) won eight of 10 bouts to roll to victory over the Lions 40-9 at the Jean Yawkey Center.

The Wolves kept up the hot streak against Emmanuel (2-12, 0-2), picking up their sixth consecutive win in Newberry's history with the Lions. Newberry put together their best team performances thus far in tonight's matchup, prevailing over the Lions by 31 points. The Wolves only gave up nine points on the night, earning three victories by fall, one by tech. fall, two by major decision, one by decision and one victory by forfeit. Nick Gaintono, Nestor Nunez and Zebrandon Gant demonstrated peak performances as cruised by their opponents by fall.

The bout started at 133 after Newberry forfeited their match at 125 pound divison. Neal established dominance early, earning several takedowns after the initial whistle. The Lion's Devin Perez was able to earn points back from escapes but Neal was ferocious throughout the contest, leaving the Lions with no answer. Neal was quick to get a takedown each period and picked up a four point near fall which landed him the tech. fall victory, 22-5 in 5:26. 

The Wolves were then awarded six points after Emmanuel forfeited the 141 pound bout. 

Damien Penichet (149) got on the board early and turned a two point takedown into a four-point near-fall after landing a cradle. After scoring some points early in the bout, Penichet kept up the pressure by pursuing a double leg takedown which he successfully landed leading to another two points. Taquel Young was able to gain some points back in the third period but Penichet was able to escape quickly, eventually prevailing over his opponent by major decision 11-2.

Nick Giantono (157) made easy work of the Lion's Jacob Catagas with an impressive win by fall in 2:20. Giantono got a hold of a leg lock and worked Catagas onto his back a few times before being able to secure the pin to give his team six points. The victory gave the Wolves a 15 point advantage going into the following bout.

Nestor Nunez (165) found himself in a tightly contested first couple of minutes against Kristian Seed but exhausted his opponent with several takedowns. Nunez followed in the footsteps of Giantono and pinned his opponent with 13 seconds left in the first period. Nunez put the Lions out of reach after giving the Wolves another six points, resulting in a 27-6 lead.

Caleb Spears (174) fell behind early after a takedown by Myles Williams but it only took a few more seconds to see who was going to control the mat. Spears was able to defeat Williams by major decision 14-6, for his fourth consecutive victory and sixth of the season.  

Zebrandon Gant (184) accelerated the tempo even more for the Wolves as he picked up his first fall of the season against Markis Hill. Hill stood no chance against the nationally ranked wrestler as Gant's strength came out in the second period, earning the pin in 3:54.

Marcus Bisono (197) was able to further extend Newberry's brigade, as he picked up a hard-fought 4-3 decision over Seth Bell. Bisono found himself in an all out battle that went down to the wire but the Hauppague, N.Y. native kept his composure throughout the contest resulting in three more points for the Wolves.

The Lion's were able to pick up three points in the final bout of the night as Preston Stell (285) defeated Newberry's Devon Rice in a tightly contested matchup by decision 6-5. 

The Wolves look forward to the weekend as they host the Newberry Open Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. The tournament will showcase teams from Division I, II and III.