YPSILANTI, MI – The University at Buffalo wrestling team
captured its first Mid-American Conference dual victory of the
season, defeating Eastern Michigan, 28-12 on Wednesday evening at
the Convocation Center.
Looking to capture their first conference victory, senior Dan Bishop started the Bulls in the right direction at 125. Bishop
pinned Eastern Michigan's Greg Egbert at 3:37 off a reversal
to give Buffalo a 6-0 lead. Bishop's fall marked his
team-leading fourth dual victory by fall and 15th overall fall of
his career.
Through decisions at 133 and 141, the Bulls extended their lead to
12-0. At 133, 19th nationally-ranked Kevin Smith remains perfect in
MAC duals as he defeated the Eagles' Chris Jenkins, 11-5, for
his 25th career dual victory.
At 141, freshman Andrew Schutt found himself in a 4-2 hole
following the first period against EMU's Corey Phillips. The
second period would be a different story as Schutt fought back to
gain an 8-6 lead heading into the third period. Schutt managed to
hold Phillips off in the third to earn a 9-7 decision.
After dropping the 149-pound bout by medical forfeit, the Bulls
went on another three-bout win streak at 157, 165 and 174. Senior
Andrew Stella collected a 4-3 decision over Eastern
Michigan's Aaron Sulzer at 157. Holding a 4-2 lead through
the first two periods, Stella was able to hold on for the victory
in the third.
Sophomore John-Martin Cannon relied on a 5-1 lead throughout the
bout to fend off the Eagles' Alex Ortman in the end. Despite
pulling within one point through two periods, 19th
nationally-ranked Cannon kept Ortman off the scoresheet in the
third to walk away with a 9-5 decision.
Returning to the lineup at 174 was junior Brian Sheehan. Sheehan
made his return known in his first ever MAC appearance as he pinned
EMU's Nick Hendrick at 4:43 for his first dual victory by
fall and first career MAC victory. Following the Bulls'
second win by fall in the dual, the Eagles were docked a team point
for a bench penalty to give Buffalo a 24-5 lead.
At 197, Jimmy Hamel would avenge the Bulls' loss by major
decision at 184 with one of his own. Grabbing an early lead in the
bout, Hamel dominated the Eagles' Travis Stanback, 15-6 for
his 39th career dual victory.
Buffalo (8-5-1, 1-1 MAC) will remain on the road in MAC competition
as they travel to 19th nationally-ranked Kent State (12-3, 1-0 MAC)
on Sunday, February 7 at 1:00 pm.