Eagles Sink Vikings, 22-12

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team continued down the winning path, defeating the Cleveland State University Vikings 22-12, Saturday, Jan. 12, at Woodling Gym. The Eagles took six of 10 matches from the Vikings on the night, including four bonus point wins.

With the win the Eagles improve to 11-4, 2-0 MAC on the year, while the Vikings fall to 3-3 on the year.

Charlie Pienaar (Trafford, Pa.-Trafford) started off the night giving the Eagles a 4-0 lead with his 12-4, major decision over Derek Cummins in the 184 pound match. Cleveland State would go on to take the next three matches, building a 9-4 lead over the Green and White. Junior John McClure (Holland, Mich.-West Ottawa) dropped a close 5-3 decision in the 197 pound match and redshirt sophomore David Wade (Beavercreek, Ohio-Beavercreek) was shutout by Rashard Goff in the heavyweight match, 3-0. Ryan Riggs scored a 9-6 decision in the 125 pound contest over true freshman Andrew Novak (New Boston, Mich.-Huron) before EMU would turn the tide.

Sean Clair (Turtlecreek, Pa.-Plum) posted an 11-0 shutout over Josh Palivoda in the 133 pound match, bringing the Eagles to within one at 9-8. Zach Donofrio (Monroe, Mich.-Dundee) put EMU out in front 11-9 with his 5-4 decision over Antonio Nicholson in the 141 pound match. David Pienaar (Trafford, Pa.-Greensburg Central Catholic) and Cory Mancuso (Brockway, Pa.-Brockway Area) would increase the Eagle lead to 18-9 by way of a 3-1 decision from Pienaar in the 149 pound match and a 17-4 major decision from Mancuso in the 157 pound contest.

Marcus Effner was able to close the gap and keep CSU’s hopes alive with his 8-6 decision over Justin Brandel (Saginaw, Mich.-Swan Valley) in the 165 pound match. The Vikings needed a pin in the final match of the night to keep their hopes alive, but true freshman Derek Foore (Wadsworth, Ohio-Wadsworth) would deny them and secure the victory for the Eagles with his 8-0 shutout over J.T. Miller in the 174 pound match.

The Eagles will be idle until Saturday, Jan. 26, when they host in-state rival, No. 5 ranked Central Michigan. The Chippewas will mark the fourth team ranked in the top 15 in the country the Eagles have faced since mid-December. Match time is set for 6 p.m. at Bowen Field House.

Eastern Michigan 22 Cleveland State 12
125 lbs. – Ryan Riggs (CSU) dec. Andrew Novak (EMU) 9-6
133 lbs. – Sean Clair (EMU) maj. dec. Josh Palivoda (CSU) 11-0
141 lbs. – Zach Donofrio (EMU) dec. Antonio Nicholson (CSU) 5-4
149 lbs. – David Pienaar (EMU) dec. Ryan Hurley (CSU) 3-1
157 lbs. – Cory Mancuso (EMU) maj dec. Daniel Castillo (CSU) 17-4
165 lbs. – Marcus Effner (CSU) dec. Justin Brandel (EMU) 8-6
174 lbs. – Derek Foore (EMU) maj. dec. J.T. Miller (CSU) 8-0
184 lbs. – Charlie Pienaar (EMU) maj dec. Derek Cummins (CSU) 12-4
197 lbs. – Alek Hughes (CSU) dec. John McClure (EMU) 5-3
285 lbs. – Rashard Goff (CSU) dec. David Wade (EMU) 3-0

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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