BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Duke wrestling program (6-8, 0-3 ACC) dropped a 42-3 decision to No. 10 Virginia Tech (7-3, 2-1 ACC) on Friday night at Cassell Coliseum.
The Hokies built an early lead behind several bonus points in the first three contested matches, but the Blue Devils got a standout showing from junior
Wade Unger against No. 21 Connor Brady. The Montvale, N.J., native started in an early hole after a takedown by Brady but battled back with a disciplined approach.
With Brady holding a 3-2 advantage late in the third period, Unger made the most of his final attacking opportunity, pouncing on Brady for a late takedown with under 10 seconds left in the match to secure a 4-3 decision. The victory was the highest ranked victory of Unger's career and second ranked win of the year. Unger beat No. 32 Parker Kropman (Drexel) earlier this season.
Redshirt senior
Matt Finesilver also turned in a terrific effort against the undefeated No. 3 Mekhi Lewis but dropped a tight 6-2 decision. Fellow redshirt senior
Kaden Russell was able to generate some attacking rhythm in his match, but also fell in a close 10-6 decision to No. 32 Dakota Howard.
The Blue Devils will continue their road swing on Wednesday, traveling to Boiling Springs, N.C., to face Gardner-Webb in the final non-conference dual of the season at 6 p.m.
No. 10 Virginia Tech 42, Duke 3
125: No. 20 Sam Latona (Virginia Tech) def.
Ty Naquin (Duke) – TF, 19-2 (4:38)
133: Forfeit by Duke
141: No. 22 Colin Gerardi (Virginia Tech) def.
Patrick Rowland (Duke) – MD, 8-0
149: No. 5 Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) def. No. 14
Josh Finesilver (Duke) – Fall (0:21)
157:
Wade Unger (Duke) def. No. 21 Connor Brady (Virginia Tech) – Dec., 4-3
165: Clayton Ulrey (Virginia Tech) def.
Gabe Dinette (Duke) – MD, 14-5
174: No. 3 Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech) def. No. 15
Matt Finesilver (Duke) – Dec., 6-2
184: No. 10 Hunter Bolen (Virginia Tech) def.
Vincent Baker (Duke) – TF, 15-0
197: No. 32 Dakota Howard (Virginia Tech) def.
Kaden Russell (Duke) – Dec., 10-6
285: No. 14 Nathan Traxler (Virginia Tech) def.
Jonah Niesenbaum (Duke) – Fall (2:13)
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