Lynchburg, Va. -- In its first match since the revival of the program, the University of Lynchburg wrestling team produced a commanding performance on the way to a 40-8 victory over Greensboro on Tuesday night in Turner Gymnasium.

Six matches concluded with victories for the Hornets before eight minutes were up, three pins and four tech falls. Overall, Lynchburg secured eight match triumphs and won both of its exhibitions. Josiah Sykes earned the first tech fall with a 20-3 decision in a quick 2:47. After Grant Kress pinned his opponent in just 1:48, Michael Byrne commanded a 16-1 tech fall, matching Sykes' time of 2:47. 

The Hornets continued to roll in their last three matches. Jacob Reigel pinned his foe 49 seconds into the second period. After just one takedown, Joe Burch found swift success with a 33-second pin. Peter Savarino closed out the meet with a 17-2 tech fall in 5:41. 

"I thought the guys wrestled incredibly well today. They were poised, calm, really prepared and intentional with their training over the past couple of months," said Interim Head Coach Joey Petrulla. "They've been fighting and doing the little things that make a big difference. That's been a key focal point that we've been putting into our training over the past several of months, and they've been extremely receptive. I couldn't be more proud of this group. They did everything that they could to put themselves in the best position to succeed. A few things that we'll clean up in the room, but their effort was absolutely incredible and I'm super proud of them."

"Our guys were given an opportunity tonight to be the first NCAA team in Lynchburg wrestling history to have their inaugural dual meet and took advantage of it," said Interim Associate Head Coach Colton Stoneking. "I'm really proud of the guys, the environment was great. It's our first win for our program as well. Just proud of our guys and how they took advantage of a great opportunity."

Matthew Krail led off the meet with an exhibition at 149 against Leejunior Price, earning a major decision of 13-2. Krail claimed the only points in the first period with a takedown and held control through the first three minutes. Starting on the bottom in the second frame, Krail escaped and took down Price. The Pride's price got back on his feet for a point before the period was over. Krail finished with two more takedowns in the final period. Jacob Stoner made quick work of his exhibition at 197 versus Jordan Warren, earning a takedown early and two near fall points before finally pinning Warren in 40 seconds.

Colton Hepp battled Samuel Aponte in the 125 pound class. Aponte jumped out to an early advantage with the first takedown. After Hepp got out, Aponte notched another takedown and four back points before the end of the first period. Hepp clawed back in the second period with two takedowns, cutting the deficit to 11-7 heading into the third frame. Aponte started on bottom in the third and escaped once before Hepp nailed another takedown, but ultimately came up just short, 12-10.

Emmons Tewalt was defeated by Eli Pendergrass at 133, losing by tech fall, 17-1. William Withers got the first team points of the night for Lynchburg with a 12-1 major decision against Ivan Benitez at 141. After a scoreless first period, Withers started on bottom, got out, took down Benitez, and earned four back points before the round was up. Starting in neutral Withers earned four points while allowing one to secure four team points.

At 149 pounds, Josh Brezac had a close bout with Cayden Glass and ultimately came out on top, 17-12. Each performer earned a takedown and escape in the first period. A high-scoring second period saw Brezac notch two takedowns and one stalling point, while Glass escaped three times after starting the period on the ground and ended the frame with a takedown. Brezac was on bottom to begin the final period. He earned two points with a reversal before Glass got out for a point. After another point for stalling awarded to Brezac, the freshman got another takedown, then Glass escaped once more before the end of the match.

Sykes commanded his match against Gregory Barnett at 157. In just 2:47, the freshman secured four consecutive takedowns and got four near fall points on the second and fourth occurrences to seal the 20-3 victory. Sykes mentioned the impact that the Hornet community had on the match: "That was so cool, this crowd was fired up. It's hard for another team to come in and have a crowd like ours." When asked about his wrestling style, Sykes relayed that his "wrestling style is very stingy. I know I have the capability to take down anybody in the country, so I'm just out there to run up the scoreboard. Super grateful for Jesus Christ ... and super grateful to come out here and wrestle this match tonight."

Kress followed and left no doubt with his 1:48 pin against Jordan Valentine at 165. Byrne kept the momentum going with his tech fall of Zain Zaggout at 174. He forced six total back points after his first takedown, then once Zaggout escaped, Byrne powered his way to another takedown and four more near fall points to earn the 16-1 victory.

After Burch's 33-second pin of Mason Scott at 197, Savarino finished strong with his tech fall of 17-2 in 5:41 against Ta`Zion Williams at 285. Savarino got the first takedown of the match, then followed Williams' escape with another takedown before the end of the first three minutes. Starting on bottom in the second frame, Savarino got the only points of the period with a stand-up escape and sequential takedown. The Lynchburg sophomore was bottom again in the final period and got out quick. He notched two more takedowns with one escape for Williams sandwiched between to conclude the match and meet.

When asked about the feeling of performing in front of the Lynchburg fandom in its inaugural match, Savarino said "it was amazing, felt electric. [The cheers from the crowd] gave me a little boost at the end, especially all of the boys from the bench cheering me on."

The Code Red crowd had an undoubtable impact on the energy of the match. Referring to that, Savarino said, "everyone was hyped about wrestling. When the day finally came [for our first match], we were like 'let's put on a show for these guys, blow the roof off the palace.'" Sykes added, "and this is just the beginning, they're going to learn when to cheer because it's going to stay like this every time we're here."

Lynchburg's next competition will be the Cougar Open, hosted by Averett, on Sunday, November 8, beginning at 9 a.m.

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