Tweet

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech wrestling team improved to 7-1 on the season with an easy 32-16 win over Appalachian State Monday evening at Cassell Coliseum. The Hokies had to overcome injury and illness, but put together a solid night to cruise to the win.

The night started with seventh-ranked Jarrod Garnett picking up a 17-5 major decision over Brett Boston at 125 pounds. The sophomore used six takedowns and a nearfall combination to give the Hokies an early 4-0 lead. At 133 pounds, Brock LiVorio made his season debut and picked up a pin at the 4:48 mark to make it 10-0. At 141 pounds, ninth-ranked Chris Diaz dominated Chris Collura, beating him 17-2 for the technical fall at the 6:30 mark. He used six takedowns and two nearfalls to pick up the win.

At 149 pounds, with starter Pete Yates sidelined, Nick Murray took the mat and led 6-2 before becoming ill and having to take an injury timeout. Upon returning, Savva Kostis took advantage of the situation and reversed him before eventually pinning Murray at the 4:35 mark.

Because of Anthony Trongone’s illness, three Hokies bumped up a class to help out the team and all won in big fashion. At 157 pounds, Taylor Knappwas leading 11-2 before sticking Chip Powell at the 4:42 mark. At 165 pounds, Jesse Dong (ranked ninth at 157 pounds), scored offensive points in all three periods to down Kyle Blevins 8-2. And finally, at 174 pounds, Matt Epperly used four takedowns and three nearfalls to pick up a technical fall, beating John Blakely 18-3 at the 6:32 mark.

At 184 pounds, Tommy Spellman struggled with Austin Trotman as the two were scoreless going to the third period. Trotman took a 2-1 lead, but Spellman got a late takedown and riding time to hold on for the 5-2 win. Chris Penny returned to the mat at 197 pounds after suffering an injury early in the season, but Dylan Temple controlled the pace en route to a 10-1 major decision win. At heavyweight, Tech forfeited and Ken Altarac picked up the win.

Tech, ranked 24^th in the country, will head to Hampton, Va., this weekend for the 30^th Annual Virginia Duals at the Hampton Coliseum. The Hokies will open with fourth-seeded and 14^th ranked Penn State in the opening round Friday at 9 a.m. Tech is in the same pod as Drexel and fifth-seeded Kent State.

For updates on Virginia Tech wrestling, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Wrestling).