Bulls Drop Hard Fought Match to #23 Pride, 24-13

Cannon, Green, Hamel and Moran collect victories

BUFFALO, NY ö For the second time this weekend, the University at Buffalo wrestling team fought a ranked opponent. This time around, the Bulls faced #23 Hofstra University on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Arena, falling 24-13. John-Martin Cannon,Desi Green, Jimmy Hamel and Mickey Moran each collected wins in the Bulls' effort.

Desi Green

The Bulls fell behind quickly 15-0 following the first three matches of the day. Green stepped up to the challenge at 149, by picking up 12 takedowns in his 25-13 major decision over Hofstra's Jeff Rotella. The only points scored in the match came off takedowns and reversals by Green and Rotella. Green held the lead after each period despite a close first period score of 6-5. With 12 takedowns on the day, he is in third place for most takedowns by a Bull in a season (60). With his victory today, he is now tied for fifth place in team history for most dual meet wins in a season (17) and is tied for 13th place for most overall wins in a season (33).

John-Martin Cannon

Cannon would follow Green's victory with a victory of his own, putting a stop to his four-match losing streak. Cannon captured a 10-4 decision over Hofstra's Fran O'Brien scoring four takedowns, a riding point as well as a point off two warnings on O'Brien. Cannon took a 4-1 lead over O'Brien at the end of the first period and kept the lead in the second and third periods.

Jimmy Hamel

For the second time this weekend, Hamel captured a 7-5 decision over his opponent. At 197, Hamel faced Hofstra's Joe Fagiano. After the first period, the match was tied at 3-3. Fagiano scored one point off an escape in the second period, the only points awarded in the period. To start the third period, Hamel was awarded a point for a technical violation against Fagiano. Hamel scored an escape followed by a takedown for a 7-4 lead with Fagiano scoring an escape to bring the score within two but it was too late.

Mickey Moran

At 184, Moran faced off against Hofstra's Ben Clymer. Moran and Clymer held each other scoreless at the end of the first period. Clymer scored the only point in the second period in the form of an escape for a 1-0 lead. Moran scored a reversal to open the match however, the match was stopped for two minutes due to Moran being poked in the eye by Clymer with Moran being awarded a penalty point for a 3-1 lead. Clymer was able to score an escape however, Moran was able to hang on for a victory stopping a four-match losing streak.

"Our attitude is positive throughout the entire team. We faced two ranked opponents this weekend and each team challenged us to step up, which will prepare us for every match to come," said head coach Jim Beichner.

In recognition of his two wins on the weekend including a 7-5 decision in overtime versus Edinboro on Friday night and a 7-5 decision in today's match, Hamel was named the US Army National Guard Gladiator of the Match.

The Bulls will be back in action on Saturday, February 21 against Mid-American Conference opponent, Northern Illinois with the first match set for 1 pm.

Hofstra University 24, University at Buffalo 13
125: #20 Steve Bonanno (HU) dec., Dan Bishop (UB), 6-3.
133: #8 Lou Ruggirello (HU) fall, Taylor Golba (UB), 1:20.
141: Justin Accordino (HU) fall, Mark Lewandowski (UB), 0:50.
149: Desi Green (UB) maj. dec., Jeff Rotella (HU), 25-13.
157: John-Martin Cannon (UB) dec., Fran O'Brien (HU), 10-4.
165: Ryan Patrovich (HU) dec., Ron Majerus (UB), 8-3.
174: #10 Alton Lucas (HU) dec., Nate Rock (UB), 7-5.
184: Mickey Moran (UB) dec., Ben Clymer (HU), 3-2.
197: Jimmy Hamel (UB) dec., Joe Fagiano (HU), 7-5.
285: Jordan Enck (HU) dec., Brett Correll (UB), 3-1.