COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland won two of the opening three bouts and managed four wins on the day, but four bonus point victories and six total wins put visiting Rider on top 26-12 Saturday afternoon. The Broncs improve to 11-9 on the season, while Maryland wraps up its 2015-16 dual match slate 5-13.
The Maryland wrestling program honored its eight graduating seniors in a ceremony prior to the match for senior day, as Geoffrey Alexander, Shane Arechiga, Mark Colabucci, RJ De George, Derrick Evanovich, Tyler Manion, Lou Mascola and Josh Snook were recognized along with their families and friends.
Michael Beck secured his second straight win in the opening match of the day at the XFINITY Center Pavilion, this time by decision over Zach Valcare. After a second period escape, Beck avoided a takedown and got one of his own at the buzzer to carry a 3-0 lead into the third. Another late takedown from the Ellicott City, Md. native eventually sealed a 5-1 victory.
The next bout saw redshirt senior Geoffrey Alexander's (133) undefeated dual match run come to an end Rider's Robert Deutsch, as he lost for the first time since December 29. Alexander went behind early on a takedown in the first period, then couldn't quite secure his own after several quality shots at the Broncs' 133-pounder. A takedown and four-point near fall in the second opened up an 8-3 lead, and Alexander couldn't make up the difference eventually falling 13-7.
Redshirt freshman Alfred Bannister (141) won his second sudden victory decision in three matches against Paul Kirchner, after a 2-2 tie forced overtime. Bannister remained patient in the sudden victory period, before making his move for a takedown and 4-2 win.
From there Rider took command of the match, winning the next four matches on two pins, a major decision and decision to go up 22-6. Senior Mark Colabucci (184) managed to stop the bleeding for the Terps, winning his second straight match with a 3-1 decision over Michale Fagg-Daves. Freshman Youssif Hemida (285) provided some fire for Maryland in the heavyweight match, coming from behind to defeat Mauro Correnti 6-4. Down 3-1, a third period takedown and two-point near fall made the difference for the Mamaroneck, N.Y. native, as he earned a ride time for the two-point victory.
The Terps will now shift their focus to championship season, which includes the National Collegiate Open in Geneva, OH on March 1. Maryland wrestling will then be in action at the Big Ten Tournament in Iowa City, Iowa March 5-6.
Maryland 12, Rider 26
125: Michael Beck (MD) decision over Zach Valcare (RU), 5-1 (3-0)
133: Robert Deutsch (RU) decision over No. 10 Geoffrey Alexander (MD), 13-7 (3-3)
141: Alfred Bannister (MD) decision over Paul Kirchner (RU), 4-2 (SV-1) (6-3)
149: No. 20 B.J. Clagon (RU) decision over Wade Hodges (MD), 4-0 (6-6)
157: No. 15 Chad Walsh (RU) fall over Lou Mascola (MD), 4:35 (6-12)
165: Conor Brennan (RU) major decision over Tyler Manion (MD), 12-3 (6-16)
174: Curt Delia (RU) fall over Derrick Evanovich (MD), 5:48 (6-22)
184: Mark Colabucci (MD) decision over Michale Fagg-Daves (RU), 3-1 (9-22)
197: Ryan Wolfe (RU) major decision over Josh Snook (MD), 13-4 (9-26)
285: Youssif Hemida (MD) decision over Mauro Correnti (RU), 6-4 (12-26)
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