The Ithaca College wrestling team traveled to SUNY Cortland Feb. 15 for their last dual meet of this season. The fourth-ranked Bombers were able to defeat the 15th-ranked Red Dragons 27–17, improving their overall record to 12–2.
Senior captain James Kaishian struck first for the Bombers, defeating Cortland senior Andrew Roden by a decision score of 6–2. Cortland then won a 6–1 decision over sophomore Ferdinand Mase.
After missing one dual meet, senior Nicholas Wahba came back strong, recording a second-period pin to give the South Hill Squad a 9–3 lead. The Bombers’ lead increased to 12–3 after freshman Ben Brisman, filling in for fellow freshman Samuel Schneider, picked up an 8–3 decision.
The Red Dragons were able to reduce their deficit, recording two straight victories to make the score 12–11.
In the 174-pound bout, junior Jaison White and Cortland’s nationally-ranked senior Colin Barber went into sudden-victory tied at 2–2. With 19 seconds left in the first sudden-victory period, White won on a takedown, giving the Bombers the advantage.
Sophomore Jacob Ashcraft picked up his 14th victory by fall of the year. Just two minutes into the bout, Ashcraft flipped nationally-ranked junior Deuly Espinal onto his back, giving the Bombers another six points.
Cortland was able to answer, with Bomber’s senior Liam Korbul suffering a loss by pin, bringing the Red Dragon’s back within four points. Korbul was replacing nationally-ranked senior Carlos Toribio.
Sophomore Jacob O’Brien was able to solidify the 27–17 victory for the South Hill squad, recording a first-period pin on Cortland’s senior Nick Lupi. It was O’Brien’s fourth consecutive victory by fall.
The Bombers return to action next weekend when they travel to Roger Williams University for the NCAA Northeast Regionals Feb. 25 and 26 in Bristol, Rhode Island.
