Up north in West Point, New York, the Hofstra University wrestling team fell 35-10 to the United States Military Academy. The Pride won just two matches against one of the best Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) teams. The loss is the Pride’s 12th of the season, dropping them to an overall record of 2-12 and conference record of 2-5. The dual was also Hofstra’s last away meet of the season, as they return home for four straight duals before one final tournament before the EIWA Championships.
Against the Black Knights, Hofstra dropped the first five matches of the night, 174 pounds to 125 pounds. At 133 pounds, Gauge Shipp broke the streak by beating Nain Vazquez. Shipp earned his first points after Vazquez attempted a fireman’s carry. Shipp countered with a crotch lock to pull Vazquez over before switching his hands to hold Vazquez in a tilt, earning a takedown and near fall points. Shipp then adjusted his grip and exposed Vazquez multiple times to earn a win by technical fall 17-0. The win is Shipp’s 16th of the season.
Jake Slotnick ended the night for the Pride with a win at 165 pounds. Against Ryan Alvarado, Slotnick started slow, with both wrestlers going scoreless in the first period. Slotnick earned an escape and a takedown before riding Alvarado out for the rest of the second period. Slotnick picked up his pace in the third, allowing Alvarado an escape before taking him down with a throw by to a single leg. Slotnick allowed Alvarado up two more times, scoring two takedowns in quick succession. He ended the match after exposing Alvarado’s back for two sets of near fall points, with Slotnick winning the match by technical fall 18-3. The victory marked Slotnick’s third straight and 17th win of the season.
At 141 pounds, Chase Liardi put up a tough fight against No. 16 Braden Basile. After a back and forth on their feet, Liardi came out on top for the first takedown of the match. Basile earned an escape after the takedown and another at the start of the second period. The two once again found themselves in a 50/50 situation but it was Basile that came out victorious. Liardi chose neutral to start the third period, needing a takedown to win the match. After Liardi was injured in an exchange, Basile was put in the bottom position. There was a review for riding time before action started again, with Basile responding quickly after, finding an escape and takedown to beat Liardi by decision 9-4.
Hofstra’s first match up in the homestand was against Long Island University on Monday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. The Black Knights wrestled the Sharks directly after Hofstra on Saturday, Feb. 7, with Army earning a 41-3 victory.
