Two upsets and three bonus-point wins fueled No. 6 Virginia Tech past No. 13 UNC on Friday night in Blacksburg for the Hokies' seventh ranked win of the season. Overall, Virginia Tech took eight of 10 bouts on the night.
• 125: #3 Eddie Ventresca dec. #13 Kysen Terukina 7-2
• 133: #6 Aaron Siedel TF Matthew Botello, 16-0 in 5:21
• 141: Nick O’Neill fall #22 Tom Crook, 8-10 in 4:02
• 149: Drew Gorman dec. Nate Askew, 10-4
• 157: #16 Ethen Miller dec. #25 Laird Root, 5-2
• 165: #33 Mac Church dec. #12 Bryce Hepner, 5-1
• 174: Collin Carrigan dec. #30 Sergio Desiante, 8-5
• 184: #32 Jaden Bullock dec. #13 Jake Dailey, 8-3
• 197: #14 Sonny Sasso maj. dec. Robert Platt, 12-4
• HWT: #17 Jimmy Mullen TF Jacob Levy, 19-3 in 4:52
No. 33 Mac Church’s upset over No. 12 Bryce Hepner was arguably the biggest of his career. The bout started slowly, as both wrestlers got a feel for one another and the first period ended in no score. Hepner started the second period down and escaped to take a 1-0 lead. Later, the 165-pound Tarheel appeared to be in prime position to score a takedown, but Church grabbed his ankle and held on until a stalemate was called.
There was then a slight delay as Hepner had to go into concussion protocol, but he returned to the mat shortly after. Late in the second period, Church went in for a shot. The Hokie faithful wanted a takedown after Church appeared to get his head up and had control of both legs, but the official wouldn’t give it initially. Approximately 36 seconds later with seven seconds remaining in the second period, the official gave Church the takedown that would eventually win him the meet.
No. 33 Jaden Bullock also got a huge upset over No. 13 Jake Dailey, sealed the dual for the Hokies. Bullock gave up a reversal in the second period but quickly escaped. The real action started in the third period after Bullock chose to start down. The fifth-year senior got a reversal and quickly turned Dailey on his back for two near fall points. UNC challenged the near fall call, but the officials upheld the points. Dailey escaped once more before Bullock sealed the deal in sudden victory
The freshman phenomenon No. 6 Aaron Seidel notched yet another technical fall. Seidel is 15-0 this season, with two pins, 12 technical falls, and one major decision.
Freshman Drew Gorman started at 149 pounds in place of No. 7 Collin Gaj, who suffered an ankle injury against Virginia last week. The freshman handled Nate Askew with ease, earning four near fall points, two escapes, a take down and riding time point in his 10-4 win.
No. 14 Sonny Sasso and No. 17 Jimmy Mullen both dominated their opponents, while No. 3 Eddie Ventresca and No. 16 Ethen Miller took care of business with two decisions, the latter wrestler's coming in sudden victory.
Friday's victory guaranteed Virginia Tech at least a share of the ACC dual meet title, which it split last season with NC State and North Carolina.
The Hokies have a quick turnaround as No. 3 Oklahoma State comes to Cassell Coliseum Sunday afternoon. The match is set to start at 2 p.m. and will air on the ACC Network.
