Dec. 11, 2010
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Third-ranked sophomore Josh Asper topped fifth-ranked P.J. Gillespie, 2-0 in the most anticipated matchup of the day, but the University of Maryland wrestling team fell to No. 18 Hofstra, 22-17 Saturday afternoon in Hempstead, N.Y.
"I am happy that we were in a position to win the match, but disappointed that we didn't get it done," said head coach Kerry McCoy. "We are still in a good place and we're getting better every day so all in all, I can't complain. We have some time to recover and heal up over the next couple of weeks, so I am sure our guys are looking forward to the break."
Already holding wins against two top-10 opponents, Asper went into Saturday's dual meet prepared to earn a top-5 win against Gillespie. The Parkton, Md. native opened the match with a slam, but was unable to earn the two-point takedown as the fifth-ranked Gillespie held his ground. In the second period, Asper finally broke the scoreless tie with an escape to take the 1-0 lead and won the match 2-0 thanks to riding time.
Boasting five other ranked starters, Hofstra (3-2-1) opened the match strong, taking an early 10-0 lead over the Terps (5-3). No. 17 Steve Bonnano won a major decision over Shane Gentry followed by No. 5 Lou Ruggirello pinning Lou Ruland.
Jon Kohler then earned Maryland its first points on the day with a 6-3 decision over No. 18 Vince Varela. But Hofstra countered with No. 19 Justin Accordino's decision over Ben Dorsay to extend the Pride lead to 13-3.
At 157 pounds, Kyle John earned bonus points, handling Zach Clemente, 13-4 via major decision.
After Asper's 2-0 decision over No. 5 Gillespie, Hofstra's Ryan Patrovich, ranked 16th by Intermat, shocked many in attendance with a first-period pin over No. 9 Mike Letts to give Hofstra a 19-10 advantage.
Corey Peltier fell in a close 2-1 loss to Ben Clymer to ensure Hofstra could not lose the match.
In consolation, Christian Boley racked up points with a 17-6 major decision over Matt Loew and Spencer Myers earned a tight 1-0 decision over Paul Snyder to end on a high note, with Hofstra winning 22-17.
With finals forthcoming, the Terps will resume action at the Midlands Championship on Dec. 29 in Evanston, Ill. followed by consecutive duals meets at Boston University and Harvard on Jan. 9.
Hofstra 22, Maryland 17
125- No. 17 Steve Bonnano (HOF) major dec. Shane Gentry, 13-2 (4-0)
133- No. 5 Lou Ruggirello (HOF) fall over Lou Ruland,1:26 (10-0)
141- Jon Kohler (MD) dec. No. 18 Vince Varela, 6-3 (10-3)
149- No. 19 Justin Accordino (HOF) dec. Ben Dorsay, 7-3 (13-3)
157- Kyle John (MD) major dec. Zach Clemente, 13-4 (13-7)
165- No. 3 Josh Asper (MD) dec. No. 5 P.J. Gillespie, 2-0 (13-10)
174- No. 16 Ryan Patrovich (HOF) fall over No. 9 Mike Letts, 1:49 (19-10)
184- Ben Clymer (HOF) dec. Corey Peltier, 2-1 (22-10)
197- Christian Boley (MD) major dec. Matt Loew, 17-6 (22-14)
285- Spencer Myers (MD) dec. Paul Snyder, 1-0 (22-17)
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