Virginia Falls At No. 9 Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia wrestling team (8-6, 1-4 ACC) closed out the dual season on Friday (Feb. 17) falling at No. 9 Virginia Tech (10-3, 4-1 ACC) by a score of 33-3 in the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash.
HOW IT HAPPENED
With the dual starting at 149 pounds, the Hokies got off to a quick start by claiming back-to-back victories with the opening bout coming on a late takedown. It would be a theme continued throughout the evening with Virginia Tech pulling away late in several contests – including two that went into sudden victory.
Virginia got on the board in the third bout of the night as No. 16 Justin McCoy picked up a 5-4 decision over No. 27 Connor Brady at 165 pounds.
Virginia Tech would take the final seven weight classes to secure the dual victory and a point in the Commonwealth Clash
THE COMMONWEALTH CLASH
• The rivalry between Virginia Athletics and Virginia Tech Athletics has a long and storied history dating back more than 125 years within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Cavaliers and Hokies first faced off on the gridiron in Charlottesville in 1895. First coined the Commonwealth Clash during the 2014-2015 season, the rivalry has expanded and intensified across the 22 sports the two institutions face off in head-to-head competition.
• The dual was worth a point in the Clash and the Cavaliers lead this year’s Clash 5.0-3.0.
• UVA captured the Clash in 2015, 2016 and 2019, while Virginia Tech has won the Clash in 2017, 2018 and 2022. The 2020 and 2021 clashes were canceled due to the pandemic.
FROM HEAD COACH STEVE GARLAND
“Obviously we aren’t ok with the final score. What I’m trying to do now is focus on the positives. Justin McCoy got tough and won gritty when he needed to. Neil Antrassian wrestled really tough against one of the best in the nation. He made a mistake late in the second period and gave up a takedown with two seconds left and that cost him. Michael Battista and Ethan Weatherspoon were warriors. Both lost in overtime, but both fought their hearts out. Jarod Verkleeren wrestled amazing for two periods against a top-eight guy, but gave up six big points later. Marlon Yarbrough wrestled well against a great competitor, too. The bottom line, though, is we have a lot of work to do before the ACC Championships. We need to stay together and we need to be faithful.”
UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia will return to action at the ACC Championships on Sunday, March 5. The ACC Championships will be hosted by NC State in Raleigh, N.C.
NO. 9 VIRGINIA TECH 33, VIRGINIA 3
149: No. 8 Caleb Henson dec. No. 27 Jarod Verkleeren, 8-4 – VT 3, UVA 0
157: No. 5 Bryce Andonian pinned Jake Keating, 1:32 – VT 9, UVA 0
165: No. 16 Justin McCoy dec. No. 27 Connor Brady, 5-4 – VT 9, UVA 3
174: No. 3 Mekhi Lewis pinned Vic Marcelli, 6:07 – VT 15, UVA 3
184: No. 7 Hunter Bolen dec. No. 16 Neil Antrassian, 9-5 – VT 18, UVA 3
197: No. 22 Andy Smith dec. No. 25 Michael Battista, 3-1 (sv-1) – VT 21, UVA 3
285: No. 20 Hunter Catka dec. Ethan Weatherspoon, 5-1 (sv-1) – VT 24, UVA 3
125: No. 23 Eddie Ventresca dec. Patrick McCormick, 8-1 – VT 27, UVA 3
133: No. 7 Sam Latona vs. Marlon Yarbrough II, 10-4 – VT 30, UVA 3
141: Collin Gerardi dec. Dylan Cedeno, 2-0 – VT 33, UVA 3