While the Hofstra University wrestling team fell in both their duals on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Journeyman Wrestling’s Wranglemania, the highlight of the day was Zach Reilley earning his first win over a ranked opponent.

Reilley, a redshirt freshman at 149 pounds, beat No. 31 Kaden Keiser of Appalachian State University by pin in just 39 seconds. Reilley dominated in the short match, getting early to a single leg, which Keiser attempted to defend by diving for Reilley’s ankles. Reilley responded well by dropping his weight and catching Keiser on his back for a near fall, putting himself up 7-0 early. Keiser bellied out and got to his knees before Reilley locked up a cradle and took him to his back for the pin.

Hofstra ultimately fell to App State 24-15, despite Reilley’s six team points. Earlier that day, they had lost to Duke University with a 24-17 score.

The Pride started hot against the Blue Devils, winning the first three matches: Teague Strobel beat Riley Rowan by technical fall 20-3, followed by Gauge Shipp winning by fall over John King at 133 pounds and Joe Sparacio besting Ray Adams by decision 5-2 at 141 pounds.

Hofstra struggled after that point, with Jake Slotnick earning the only other victory of the dual against Duke at 165 pounds over Logan Richey by decision 8-6.

Against the Mountaineers, Strobel and Sparacio both earned their second wins of the day. Strobel won 5-2 in sudden victory over Colby McBride, and Sparacio won in sudden victory 4-1 over Joe Fongaro. Reilley and Jurius Clark provided the Pride’s only other victories of the day. At 174 pounds, Clark beat Colt Campbell in a narrow match 3-2.

The Pride is now 0-2 in dual meet action but had a quick turnaround, competing at the Journeyman Collegiate Classic the next day, Sunday, Nov. 9. They travel again for their next dual on Thursday, Nov. 13, to take on Sacred Heart University.