Marauders upset No. 10 Grand Valley State and secured a pair of wins

Saturday, January 18

Erie, PA

12:00 PM

Millersville University

Gannon

Marauders upset No. 10 Grand Valley State and secured a pair of wins

1/18/2025 6:29:00 PM | Wrestling

By: Ashley Hudak, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

ERIE, Pa. — Millersville wrestling went two for three at the Gannon Quad. Their only loss was against ranked PSAC opponent, No. 22 Gannon, 34–12. On the contrary, the team upset No. 12 Grand State University 22–18 and ran away with a 38–9 victory over Fairmont State University.

"We knew we were going to have to come in battle today," said head coach Jerry Boland. "Our depth as a program showed as we had some different guys in the lineup because of the injuries we are dealing with. We stepped up to the challenge and wrestled hard in all three duals. I think we gave Gannon a little too much respect. We let them bully us around a little and that can't happen against a team like that. But overall I am extremely proud of our guys today."

Several Marauders stepped up at the quad dual to showcase their ability and earn points for the team. Seven wrestlers fought hard in all three duals and logged a 2–1 performance.

Freshman Cael Rossi got the start in all three duals today. The 133-pounder dropped the first match to Gannon's Jeremiah Echevarria, ranked No. 11. Rossi lost by major decision 11–3 but fought to avoid being pinned. Rossi had a gritty 6–1 win over Logan Klinge to secure Millersville's first three points against Grand Valley State. Rossi acquired a 17–0 technical fall win over Jasup Spragg from Fairmont State to wrap up the quad. This is Rossi's third technical fall and he now leads the team this season with three.

Nick Cottone (141) edged Gannon's Caleb Chaves in an 8–1 sudden victory match. Cottone showcased a fast change in his levels to takedown Chaves while nearly securing the pin. Cottone asserted a dominant performance and tallied a fall in 1:50 over Lane Huizar from Grand Valley. Cottone's final opponent was No. 10 Colton Stoneking from Fairmont State. Cottone nearly clinched the upset but lost by decision, 7–5.

Marcus Gable secured the start at 157 pounds in all three duals. Gable lost to Ethan Richner from Gannon by fall but rebounded with two bonus point wins in the following matches. Gable had a 15–4 major decision win over Michael Merritt from Grand Valley State and his fastest career fall over Jim Green from Fairmont State in 2:22.

Andrew Vogelbacher (174) returned to the mix for the Marauders. Vogelbacher lost to No. 7 Patrick Jackson from Gannon but bounced back in the next two duals. Two gutsy decision wins came from the 174-pounder. A critical 7–2 win over Miles Curtis from Grand Valley State and a 5–2 win over Makiya Powell from Fairmont State proved Vogelbacher is an asset to this squad.

Almost flawless on the day, Cole Dubois displayed a high level of wrestling. His first bonus point win was a 10–1 major decision win over Shane Davidson from Gannon. Dubois then faced Brayden Bobo from Grand Valley State. Dubois was down 5–1 and rallied back with an escape and takedown in the third period to lead 6–5. Bobo escaped with a minute remaining in the third to tie the match 6–6. Bobo ended up clinching a 7–6 win due to his riding time. Dubois rallied in his final dual and got the fall over Chigozie Ijeoma from Fairmont State in 2:55.

Bruce Vaughan (197) split 1–1 on the day but the match he won helped seal Millersville's upset win over Grand Valley State. Vaughan had three takedowns and two escapes to breeze to an 11–5 decision win over Benjamin Leece.

Chase Bish (165) and Bishop McCoy (285) capped the day at 2–1 apiece. Both Marauders earned a win off a forfeit. Bish earned an 8–2 decision win over Cayden Strong from Grand Valley State. McCoy won by fall (1:31) over Justin Bishop from Fairmont State to lead the team in pins tacking on his sixth.

After about a two-month road stretch, the Marauders bring the competition back home to host the Millersville Duals on Saturday, Jan. 25. The schools competing in the duals are American International College, Felican University, Camden County College, and Salem University.

THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH JERRY BOLAND:

On the team's performance: "Honestly I think we had a lot of standout performances. Rossi got the start in all three matches today and really embraced the opportunity. Nick has been wrestling at a high level for quite a while and he continued to do that today. He went toe to toe with one of the best kids in the country. Marcus went 2-1 basically wrestling up a weight class and he continues to improve every time out. Chase's only loss was a tight one to one of the top guys in the country. He continues to build confidence each time out. Bubba returning to the lineup was a big deal. He hasn't wrestled since opening weekend and he wrestled three hard bouts today. Cole showed a lot of heart today. He's battling a nagging injury but gutted out two wins. Bruce was sick all week and came up clutch with the clinching win against Grand Valley."
How to prepare for the Millersville Duals: "We will get back to work on Monday. We have four duals next weekend and we have to be ready to go."

RESULTS:
Gannon 34, Millersville 12