Eagles Fall to No. 9 Wildcats, 29-6

YPSILANTI, Mich. — The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team squared off against a nationally ranked team for the second time this weekend, falling 29-6 to No. 9 ranked Northwestern University today, Dec. 16, at Bowen Field House. The loss puts EMU on a two-match skid after starting the season 4-0.

“A loss like that is tough to swallow,” said head coach Derek DelPorto. “To go out there and out-wrestle a team like that in six out of the 10 matches and lose is tough.”

Northwestern jumped out to the early 3-0 lead with an 8-4 decision from No. 7 ranked Brandon Precin. Precin scored a takedown 40 seconds into the first period and never looked back. True freshman Andrew Novak (New Boston, Mich.-Huron) would earn a one-point escape late in the first period, closing the gap to 2-1. Precin would hold Novak in check during the second period and add an escape of his own and another takedown to increase his lead to 5-1 entering the final period. With less than a minute remaining Novak was able to earn a two-point reversal, bringing the score to 7-4, but could not muster any further points as Precin would earn one point for riding time, giving him the win.

Once again, EMU was able to count on redshirt sophomore Sean Clair (Turtlecreek, Pa.-Plum) for early points as he picked up a 2-0 shutout decision over Eric Metzler in the 133 pound contest. After a scoreless first period, Clair would opt for a bottom start in the second period, earning a one-point escape nine seconds into the period. Clair was also able to accumulate significant riding time, earning him an additional point and tying the match at three.

Northwestern would take the lead once again after a 5-3 decision in the 141 pound contest. After a scoreless first period, Keith Sulzer was able to earn a two-point reversal over David Pienaar (Trafford, Pa.-Greensbarg Central Catholic) for the only scoring in the second period. Pienaar would earn one point on a Sulzer stalling call in the third period to close the gap to 2-1. A flurry of scoring would take place in the final 45 seconds of the period, starting with a two-point reversal by Pienaar to take a 3-2 lead. Sulzer would follow with a reversal of his own seconds later to re-take the lead at 4-3 before adding on a point for riding time accumulated, ending the match at 5-3 in his favor.

Northwestern would win the next six of seven matches, building a 19-3 lead before the Green and White would again put points on the board.

In the 184 pound match, senior Charlie Pienaar (Trafford, Pa.-Trafford) would score a 5-4 winning decision for the Eagles. After a scoreless first period, Pienaar would earn one point on an escape to open the second period before Adil Kolovic would score a takedown to take a 2-1 lead. After another escape and a two-point near-fall, Pienaar would take a 5-2 advantage. Pienaar would held off a late comeback attempt by Kolovic in the waning seconds of the match to score the 5-4 decision.

Northwestern would end the day with a pin by third ranked Mike Tamillow over John McClure (Holland, Mich.-West Ottawa) in the 197 pound contest, and a 16-4 major decision from the top ranked heavyweight in the country, Dustin Fox.

The Eagles will look to get back to winning ways Thursday, Dec. 20, as they welcome Olivet College to Bowen Field House for the last match before Christmas. Start time for Thursday’s match is set for 7 p.m.

No. 9 Northwestern 29, Eastern Michigan 6

125 lbs. No. 7 Brandon Precin (NU) dec. Andrew Novak (EMU), 8-4
133 lbs. Sean Clair (EMU) dec. Eric Metzler (NU), 2-0
141 lbs. Keith Sulzer (NU) dec. David Pienaar (EMU), 5-3
149 lbs. Andrew Nadhir (NU) dec. Zach Donofrio (EMU), 8-5
157 lbs. Kyle Bertin (NU) dec. Cory Mancuso (EMU), 6-1
165 lbs. Dominic Morella (NU) maj. dec. Justin Brandel (EMU), 13-5
174 lbs. No. 10 Nick Hayes (NU) dec. Derek Foore (EMU), 7-1
184 lbs. Charlie Pienaar (EMU) dec. Adil Kolovic (NU), 5-4
197 lbs. No. 3 Mike Tamillow (NU) fall John McClure (EMU), 6:45
285 lbs. No. 1 Dustin Fox (NU) maj. dec. David Wade (EMU), 16-4

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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