By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
MARIETTA, Ga. – The #2 Life University men's wrestling team used key bonus points late in the dual to pull away from sixth-ranked Lander, earning a hard-fought 20–16 victory Saturday afternoon.
After trading momentum throughout the middle weights, the Running Eagles seized control with a dominant technical fall at 184 pounds and a high-scoring decision at 197 to secure the win over the Bearcats.
Lander opened the dual with back-to-back wins at 125 and 133 to take an early 7–0 lead, but the Running Eagles quickly responded. At 141 pounds, Mauro Michel ignited the comeback with a first-period fall, pinning George Maholtz in just 1:18. Elvis Solis followed at 149 with a gritty 13–7 decision, and Fabian Padilla edged Reid Noble in a thrilled sudden-victory tiebreaker at 157 to swing the score in Life's favor, 12–7.
Lander answered back with narrow decisions at 165 and 174 to reclaim a one-point lead heading into the final three bouts, setting up a dramatic finish.
Life regained momentum at 184 pounds as Kendall Norfleet delivered one of the most decisive performances of the afternoon, overwhelming Sean Crews in an 18–1 technical fall to put the Running Eagles back in front. In an electrically entertained matchup at 197, Efren Arizmendez won the crowd over with a wild 23–19 decision that featured constant action in
At heavyweight, Lander's Isaac Sheeren closed the dual with a 10–4 decision over Gabriel Jacobs, but Life's earlier surge proved enough to hold on for the four-point victory.
With the win, Life continues its strong stretch against nationally ranked competition, showcasing its depth and ability to capitalize in pivotal moments.
