Men's Wrestling Falls on Road to NCAA DII Power, No. 2 Lander, 19-14
Men's Wrestling / 01.19.23
GREENWOOD, S.C. --- In a match between second-ranked teams from different levels, the Life University men's wrestling team hit the road to compete with one of the best programs at the NCAA DII level, Lander University, falling in a tightly contested match, 19-14, Thursday night.
The loss stands as the second of the year for No. 2 Life U (5-2), while No. 2 Lander (14-2) continues its excellent season.
The Running Eagles found themselves in an early hole, a pair of losses by decision and one by major seeing the team down 10-0 after the first three bouts. At 149 lbs.,
Brevin Balmeceda earned the team its first victory of the night with a 2-0 victory by decision. Following him up,
Steven Villalobos recorded an 8-4 decision win to narrow the deficit to 10-6.
After another loss at 165 lbs.,
Riley Smucker maintained his great season, achieving a 6-0 decision to keep the difference between the teams just four.
Tough losses at 184 lbs. and 197 lbs., put an effective end to the competition, a 10 point lead for Lander with only one bout to go ensuring that Life U would not be able to win.
Austin Harris ended the match on a high note, dominating his opponent at heavyweight by a 16-0 tech fall to give the match final of 19-14.
The Running Eagles next compete at the Missouri Valley Invite, competition starting tomorrow at 1 PM with the event extending into Saturday.
