NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University wrestling team could not pull off an upset over Springfield College as the Pride narrowly escaped in the 285 pound match that would ultimately decide the final score, 22-18.
Springfield forfeited two matches at the 125 and 133 pound match, giving Norwich the 12-0 lead. The Pride would battle their way back into the match as sophomore David Colvin (Old Saybrook, Conn.) picked up the 5-3 decision over Norwich freshman Zach Morris (South Glen Falls, N.Y.) for the three team points in the 141 pound matchup.
Springfield would pick up its second match win at the 149 contest with senior Mark Pinto (Milford, Mass.) defeating NU's senior James Duncan (Brewster, N.Y.) on a 11-1 major decision, giving the Pride four additional points to trail by just five.
The first highlight of the night was at the 157 weight class as NU junior Ben Swanson (Little Silver, N.J.) and Springfield senior Brendan Morgan (Greenbush, N.Y.) battled back and forth for the first three periods with Swanson ahead in points until an injury caused Morgan to forfeit, giving the Cadets the six points.
Springfield would win the next four matches on decisions, picking up 12 more points to take the 19-18 lead before the final match of the night, the 285 weight class.
The Cadets sent out sophomore Frank Girolamo (Stoughton, Mass.) to face Springfield's Jake Benedict (Pulaski, N.Y.). After a scoreless first period, Benedict would pick up three points in the second period on an escape and a takedown before Girolamo escaped on the final second to trail by two. Girolamo battled his way throughout the third period, picking up another point on an escape before being awarded a point on Benedict's caution, forcing overtime.
No points were generated in the first overtime period or in the sudden victory period, forcing the match into the tiebreaker round. Benedict chose the bottom position and picked up a point on an escape within 30 seconds. Girolamo also chose to go to the bottom position and came close to picking up an escape point to tie the match, but time expired before he could pick up the tying point as Benedict earned the win, giving Springfield the three more points for the final score, 22-18.
The Cadets will focus on the New England Dual Championships hosted at Bridgewater State University on Saturday, Jan. 23. The all-day duals meet is set to start at 9:30 a.m.
