Derek Valenti Named ACC Wrestler of the Week

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Derek Valenti (Jr., Newton, N.J.) was tabbed as the ACC Wrestler of the Week Tuesday following his big win last week against Virginia Tech. It marks Valenti’s first career ACC Wrestler of the Week honor.

Valenti scored an upset win over reigning ACC champion Brian Stephens of Virginia Tech, 7-2, at 149 pounds Saturday night in the Cavaliers’ dual with the Hokies in Blacksburg. Stephens was ranked ninth nationally at the time.

Valenti and Stephens were locked in a 2-all match midway through the third period when Valenti shot in to score a takedown. Valenti got Stephens to his back and racked up three more points on a near fall to seal the win.

The victory was Valenti’s fifth straight this season as he improved to 17-11 on the year.

This marks the third ACC Wrestler of the Week distinction earned by Virginia this season. Chris Henrich earned each of the previous honors, on Nov. 30 and Jan. 4.

The Cavaliers have three dual matches on the schedule this weekend. On Friday UVa will travel to Maryland for a 6 p.m. ACC dual. The Wahoos return home to Memorial Gymnasium on Saturday for a pair of duals, taking on Duke at noon and Appalachian State at 1:30 p.m. Senior Day ceremonies will be conducted prior to the Duke bout.