Wrestling Defeats New England College in a Close Match, 18-16

HENNIKER, N.H. (December 14, 2019) – The Western New England University wrestling team won a contested match by a score of 18-16 over New England College on Saturday afternoon at Bridges Gym on the campus of New England College.

The Pilgrims took the early lead as Diego Santiago had a 24-9 technical fall victory over freshman Corey Cope (Quakertown, Pa.) at 125. The strong start for the Pilgrims continued when Chris DeRosa won a 10-8 major decision over junior Nick Arborio (Berlin, Conn.) at 133. 

The Golden Bears got on the board when junior Justin DeLucia (Holbrook, N.Y.) won a 5-1 major decision over Najee Hall at 141. New England College took the win in the 149 bout when Evan Fidelibus claimed a 15-1 major decision over senior Alex Starr (Lebanon, Conn.)

Western New England grabbed the win at 157 when junior caption Ryan Monteiro (Wilbraham, Mass.) posted a 8-2 major decision over Hayden Kelleher. In the 165 bout, the Pilgrims took the in as Jakai Townsend took a 12-4 major decision over sophomore Jeffrey Suschana (Somers, Conn.).

The Golden Bears would go on to win four straight bouts. Starting that off was senior Davey Goodall (Chelmsford, Mass.) taking a 2-0 major decision over Mannash Carlson. Reigning national champion senior John Boyle (Rowley, Mass.) claimed a 12-7 major decision victory over Malik Settles.

Rounding out the afternoon were the 197 and heavyweight bouts. Junior Dan Price (Nyack, N.Y.) won a 6-1 major decision over Aaron Diaz at 197. In the heavyweight bout, freshman Romelo Medina (Springfield, Mass.) won a 3-2 decision over Frances Boahen.

Up Next
Western New England (5-1) and New England College (2-2) will both compete at the Williams College Open after the New Year on Sunday, January 5.