CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Newberry Wrestling Team (4-3, 4-1 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas) toppled Queens University on Friday evening by a 39-11 margin. 

The Wolves defeated the Royals 47-0 in 2019 and kept up the same intensity during tonight's bout in The Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation. The match took a turn during the 149 pound bout as Damien Penichet initiated Newberry's dominant run. The Wolves picked up one win by decision, three major decisions, two forfeits and two victories by fall. 

Josh Aquino got the nod for the first match of the night, facing Melvin Rubio of Queen's University. The competitors found themselves in a stalemate for the first few minutes of the match but Rubio was able to put a move on Aquino to earn a two-point takedown. Aquino was unable to apply some pressure to Rubio, resulting in Tech Fall 15-0. 

The Wolves gained points right back after the 125 bout as Queens forfeited the 133 pound bout to Newberry's Zach Valentine.

Newberry's Austin Neal (141)  found himself in a predicament within the first minute of the match after a quick takedown by Devinaire Hayes. Neal was able to escape quickly and earn a point back but after a hectic scramble between the two, Hayes was able to come out on top by getting a two point-takedown followed by a two-point near fall. Neal found himself on his back in the second period, resulting in a pin. 

After a slow start for the Wolves, Damien Penichet was able to pick his team up at the 149 pound division. Penichet came out the gate demonstrating strong wrist control and executing a single leg lock that led to a takedown. Penichet kept his foot on the gas and defeated Joey Hancock by decision 8-3. The victory gave the Scarlet and Grey three points, making the score 11-9.

Nick Giantono (157) wasted no time getting his team six points back as he dominated the Royal's Jude Lloyd. Giantono jumped on Lloyd right out of the gate and never looked back, demonstrating good elbow control and finding an easy takedown. Giantono was able to pin his opponent, resulting in a 15-11 team score. 

Queens forfeited the 165 pound bout, extending the Wolves lead to 21 to 11. Nestor Nunez (174) put on a wrestling clinic as he  emerged quick off the whistle and didn't look back for a 19-7 major decision over Liam Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick learned that diving in quickly would result in a deadly reversal by Nunez which landed him two points on several occasions throughout the match. 

Caleb Spears (184) has been instrumental for the Wolves and picked up his fifth consecutive victory tonight against the Royals. Spears (184) was too powerful for J.Skalecki, executing his game plan by taking his opponent down early in the bout. Skalecki attempted to utilize a front headlock as a takedown method in the second period but Spears was quick to shut it down and get a takedown of his own. Spears went on to give his team four points after defeating Skalecki by major decision 16-6.

Zebrandon Gant (197) was able to get back into action after a quick fall victory during this last bout against Emmanuel. Gant did much of the same as he impressively pinned Hunter Tobiasson within 30 seconds. 

Nick Weldon was given the nod for the last bout of the night for his first match of the year. Nick took care of business as he cruised by Austin Watkins by major decision, 9-1. 

Newberry improves to 4-3 on the season and looks forward to hosting the Newberry Open this Sunday, Feb. 9 in Eleazer Arena.