Lancaster, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall wrestling team secured its eighth straight Rupp Cup victory by a 24-15 score over Millersville. The Marauders had their most points in the Rupp Cup since 2009-10 season.
The Marauders claimed four wins. Sophomore 184-pound
Evan Morrill won by a 17-5 major decision,
Shane Ruhnke won 12-7 at 165 pounds,
Eric Fuentes score a pinfall at 149 pounds and 133-pound
Alex Baider won, 8-4.
Morrill's points started piling up after a nearfall and another takedown gave Morrill a 9-2 lead at the end of the second period. Mercadante escaped from the down position at the start of the third, but with a quick motion, Morrill got a takedown. Mercadante escaped but Morrill spun and got the right leg of Mercandante to flip him on his back for 13-4 lead. Mercadante escaped from Morrill's grasp within a minute left. Morrill scored another takedown to conclude the 17-5 major decision-- his fourth major decision victory of the season.
Ruhnke controlled his match and his win tied the team score at 12-12. Ruhnke claimed his 20
th win and 11th dual win of the season.
Fuentes pinned Sam Butler at 4:52 in the 149-pound match. Fuentes recorded his third fall of the season and seventh victory.
Millersville's first points came from Baider, who defeated Dan Martoccio, 8-4. Baider's win was his 15th overall and 10th in duals.
Redshirt junior
Connor Sheehan and F&M's Edgar Garcia traded takedowns and reversals through the first two periods in the 125-pound match. Garcia escaped with 19 seconds remaining to edge Sheehan, 10-9.
The Marauders send 10 wrestlers to the NCAA Super Regional I Championships Friday, Feb. 23. The championships will be held at Johnstown, Pa.
Franklin & Marshall 24, Millersville 15
125: Edgar Garcia (F&M) dec.
Connor Sheehan (VILLE), 10-9 (0-3)
133: Alex Baider (VILLE) dec. Dan Martoccio (F&M), 8-4 (3-3)
141: Brett Kulp (F&M) fall
Kevin Constantine (VILLE), 0:59 (3-9)
149: Eric Fuentes (VILLE) fall Sam Butler (F&M), 4:52 (9-9)
157: Emmett LiCastri (F&M) dec.
Seth Decker (VILLE), 11-4 (9-12)
165: Shane Ruhnke (VILLE) dec. Jacob Conners (F&M), 12-7 (12-12)
Note: (MILL docked -1.00 for Controlling the mat)
174: Joshua Young (F&M) tech. fall
Kyle Narber (VILLE), 22-7 (6:48) (11-17)
184: Evan Morrill (VILLE) maj. dec. Steven Mercadante (F&M), 17-5 (15-17)
197: Philip Robilotto (F&M) maj. dec.
Jared Fetterman (VILLE), 15-4 (15-21)
285: Antonio Pelusi (F&M) dec.
Zachary Yackenchick (VILLE), 7-4 (15-24)
