For the first time in two weeks, the Hofstra wrestling team was back in action when they traveled to Daskalakis Athletic Center to take on Drexel University on Saturday, Feb. 5. The Dragons defeated Hofstra 27-13 and Long Island University 30-6, both of which were Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) opponents. After the two victories, Drexel improved to 5-6 overall and 4-2 in league play, whereas Hofstra is now 2-10 overall and 1-4 against EIWA opponents. Overall, the Pride is now 19-19 all-time against Drexel.
The Dragons achieved a pin at weight class 174, but the Pride won three heavily favored, consecutive weight classes immediately after to take a 13-6 lead. At 184 pounds, Charles Small had a close decision win against Drexel’s Bryan McLaughlin, who fought tooth and nail to get one last takedown with seconds remaining. However, Small was able to defeat his opponent with a third-period escape, scoring 7-6.
Following that match, at 197 pounds, Trey Rogers had the upper hand against his opponent, Santino Morina, beginning with a quick takedown not long into the first period. Rogers kept the lead, ending with a 17-6 major decision win. Concluding Hofstra’s three wins, at 285, Zachary Knighton-Ward finished strong with an effortless win using a body lock takedown and pin over Liam Dietrich at 2:06 into the match.
Following Knighton-Ward’s victory, the Pride remained in the lead with an overall score of 13-10. The Dragons secured the dual meet win with six consecutive wins by major decisions at 125, 133, 141, 157 and 165, along with a technical fall at 149.
After the 165-pound match, two matches occurred which did not count towards the final team score but did count towards the individual record of the wrestler. At 184 pounds, Charles Small took on Josh Stillings, winning his match with an 8-5 decision, while redshirt-freshman Ben Somerville lost a 5-3 decision to Eli Anthony at 285 pounds.
Notable takeaways from the matchup include Zachary Knighton-Ward having won four matches by pin this season and remaining undefeated against EIWA opponents. Additionally, 165-pounders Ricky Stamm and Evan Barczak competed against one other for the third time in a calendar year. Stamm previously defeated Barczak by decision at the 2021 NCAA Championship and a tiebreaker decision at the 2021 EIWA Championship. Barczak took home the win this time with a 6-1 decision.
On Saturday, Feb. 12, Hofstra wraps up the home portion of the 2021-22 season with a tri-meet at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Center. Before the 1 p.m. dual versus Harvard University, the Pride will celebrate its departing seniors, and the day will come to an end with a 3 p.m. dual against Sacred Heart University.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
