By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
LAKELAND, Fla. — The No. 1 Life University men's wrestling team was dominant on the road, securing a 27-15 victory over #3 Southeastern University. The Running Eagles dominated the entire dual, winning seven of ten bouts to close out an impressive dual season.
The dual started at 125 lbs, where Mikey Doerr started with a 15-6 major over Erick Hair, giving Life the early 4-0 lead. Southeastern responded at 133 lbs, with Aaron Lucio earning a decision over Isaiah Rubio.
The Running Eagles regained momentum at 141 lbs, as Michel Mauro was electric, silencing the Fire crowd with a 1st period pin. At 149 lbs, the Running Eagles extended their lead when Elvis Solis picked up another major, taking down Raymond Cavey 12-4.
The Running Eagles kept things going at 157 lbs, with Fabian Padilla battling through a tough three-period battle, earning the decision win with a third period takedown, 5-3. Following Padilla, Rocky Raby continued his stellar form with a a clutch 4-1 decision victory over #7 Jovon Mitchell.
At 174 lbs, the Fire earned points with a medical forfeit before Tre Morrisette continued the Life U show with a 7-3 decision over August Batson, the win marked Morrisette's 100th collegiate win of his stellar career.
The dominance then continued at 197 lbs, as Efren Arizmendez secured another Life U major taking down Ralph Sanchez. In the final match of the night, the Fire took another medical forfeit to conclude the Life U duals season.
"Number one thing, I want to give a big shout out to my boy Demarco Lee, I love you brother and hope nothing but the best for you," said Head Coach Omi Acosta following the win over SEU. "Number two, I thought we were going to get down to Florida and see some match ups we were really looking forward to but sometimes that's not how it works out. We extinguished the fire tonight but God bless everyone that follows Life U wrestling. We're going to get ready for the next big day which is the AAC Championship down in Miami Gardens and then the NAIA National Championship. Lucha."
Up next, the Running Eagles will regroup and look to defend their AAC Tournament Title in two weeks. The conference tournament will be hosted at St. Thomas on Feb. 20th.
