On Thursday, Dec. 22, the Hofstra wrestling team lost to American University, 21-16, in their first dual of the season at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center.
“They out-toughed us today,” said Hofstra head Coach Dennis Papadatos, “They deserved to win”.
Hofstra suffered losses at the 125, 133, 149, 157 and 165-pound weight classes. In order, Jacob Moon fell to American’s Maximilian Leete in a quick pin from a throw about twenty seconds into the match. Chase Liardi then lost 2-0 against Jack Maida, the no. 4 wrestler in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA). Michael Leandrou, who previously attended American, fell to Antonio Segura in a 3-6 decision. Finally, Matt Rogers fought in an equal match until he was pinned in an arm bar by Calen Campos 5:42 into the match.
Despite the disappointing conclusion, the dual meet began with optimism for the Pride. Justin Hoyle competed in the 141-pound weight class and earned the Pride’s only major decision win of the dual, 15-2 over Raymond Lopez, and team captains Trey Rogers and Zachary Knighton-Ward each picked up a victory in their respective weight classes. The two captains are now tied, along with Jacob Ferreira, for the team lead in wins with eight so far this year.
As for Ferreira, he and Ross McFarland had a chance to salvage the dual for Hofstra with a pair of victories by pinfall. However, wins by decision for each weren’t enough to sway the overall score in Hofstra’s favor.
Prior to the start of the dual, the Pride hosted exhibition matches that saw American’s Shamil Kalmatov beat Dylan Acevedo 1-8 at 125-pounds before losing to Hofstra’s Alex Turley 5-3. American’s Ethan Szerencsits beat Mario Biancamano by fall at 141 pounds. In the 157-pound weight class, Garett Washington of American won by decision over Eric Shindel, 5-6. Hofstra’s Ericson Velasquez expanded his win streak to five by beating Brad Kata at 184 pounds, and Nikolas Miller won by fall against American’s Carsten Rawls.
Hofstra is now 0-1 this season following the loss, while American improves to 4-4 and 2-1 in EIWA competition. Hofstra hit the mats again to ring in the new year on Jan. 1 and 2 at the Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, TN.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Neil Miller
