NORTHFIELD, Vt, - Norwich won the last three bouts en route to defeating visiting WPI, 23-15, in a matchup of New England Wresting Association (NEWA) schools on Saturday afternoon at Plumley Armory. Norwich evens its dual meet record at 2-2, while WPI falls to 0-1.

Tyler Howe got WPI off on the right foot at 165 pounds, pinning Zach Wetzel in 45 seconds to give the visitors a 6-0 lead. Norwich raced back with four straight wins, including decisions by Matt Valnoski at 174, Jordan Ferguson at 197 and Raistlin Delistle at 285, and a major decision by Ray Gauthier at 184, to seize a 13-6 advantage.

Valnoski's performance really set the tone for the Cadets with his outstanding performance at 174 pounds. It was one of his finest bouts of the year, according to Norwich head coach Rich Hasenfus.

WPI then picked up a forfeit win by Dan Gilman at 125 pounds and a decision at 133 by Carl Anderson to grab 15-13 lead. The Cadets then used decisions by Nick Monaco at 141 and Ryan Crosby at 157 sandwiched between a Joe Eon major decision at 149 to take home the victory.

"Nick looked very strong for us at 141 pounds, and Joey was dominant in the 149-pound bout," said Hasenfus.

"The team is wrestling well" added Hasenfus. "We are in good shape and attacking. We still have a lot of room for improvement. The team really stepped up today; we had four starters out of our lineup, and we perservered and found a way to win. We are looking forward to getting our starting lineup back after break."

Norwich returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 5, when the Cadets travel to Williamstown, Mass., to participate in the Williams Invitational hosted by Williams College. Bouts are slated to begin at 9 a.m.

Norwich 23, WPI 15
165 - Tyler Howe (WPI) pinned Zach Wetzel, 0:45
174 - Matt Valnoski (NU) dec. Dave Cardenas, 6-3
184 - Ray Gauthier (NU) maj. dec. Joe Vanni, 12-4
197 - Jordan Ferguson (NU) dec. Garrett Yablonski, 6-0
285 - Raistlin Delistle (NU) dec. Anthony Corbo, 2-1
125 - Dan Gilman (WPI) wins by forfeit
133 -Carl Anderson (WPI) dec. Scott Maclean, 6-1
141 - Nick Monaco (NU) dec. Alex Pittera, 16-9
149 - Joe Eon (NU)  maj. dec. Kenny Adams, 14-0
157 - Ryan Crosby (NU) dec. Joe Pellegrine, 7-3