The No. 1 ranked Penn State wrestling team faced off against No. 21 Lehigh in a dual that showcased their strong performance, maintaining an impressive winning streak that dates back to 2020. The Nittany Lions dominated the Mountain Hawks, securing a commanding 36-3 victory.
The match began at 125 pounds, with No. 16 Luke Lilledahl and No. 15 Sheldon Seymour locked in a closely contested battle. After a scoreless first period, Lilledahl emerged victorious with a late three-point takedown, ending the match 4-1 in his favor.
Next, No. 10 Braeden Davis faced a noteworthy challenge against No. 1 Ryan Crookham. Crookham established an early lead, ultimately winning the match 4-2, tying the dual at 3-3.
No. 3 Beau Bartlett then went to work, controlling his match to secure a 5-0 win over Carter Bailey. Following Bartlett, No. 2 Shayne Van Ness continued the momentum with a major victory over Matt Repos, winning 17-3 and pushing Penn State’s lead to 10-3.
The dual proceeded with No. 4 Tyler Kasak beating Logan Rozynski 5-2 and No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink delivering an aggressive performance, achieving a technical fall with a score of 18-1 against Thayne Lawrence.
At 174 pounds, No. 2 Levi Haines achieved a pinfall victory over Rylan Rogers, while No. 1 Carter Starocci convincingly defeated Jack Wilt 15-1.
No. 23 Josh Barr faced off against former teammate No. 6 Michael Beard in a highly anticipated match, in which Barr secured an 11-3 win, extending Penn State’s lead to 31-3.
Finally, No. 2 Greg Kerkvliet finished off the dual with a resounding 15-0 technical fall victory over Calvin Lachman, solidifying the Nittany Lions’ triumph at 36-3.
Overall, this victory not only underscores Penn State’s dominance in collegiate wrestling but also positions them well as they look forward to future competitions. Despite the setbacks for Lehigh, there are lessons to be learned, and they have the opportunity to regroup and strategize for improved performances ahead.
In the broader context of collegiate wrestling, performances like those of Penn State inspire both athletes and fans, highlighting the fierce competition and dedication present in the sport. With continued diligence and passion, teams like Lehigh can bounce back, making for an exciting season ahead.