HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Franklin & Marshall's wrestling team fought hard against a pair of tough conference foes on Saturday in New York, falling just short to Columbia by a 25-15 tally before suffering a 45-3 loss against Hofstra.
The Diplomats slipped to 4-6 overall and 1-5 in Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) competition.
Against Columbia, Jose Diaz nearly pulled off the upset of the nation's No. 28 ranked grappler Joe Manchio but came up just short by a 4-2 score.
Wil Gil helped the Diplomats climb out of an early 8-0 hole at 141 pounds by earning a 7-5 decision win over No. 28 ranked Matt Kazimir. The statement victory saw Gil overcome a first-period takedown with an escape and takedown of his own in the third to seal the match.
The momentum continued to swing F&M's way at 149 pounds when Cristiaan Dailey claimed a dominant 14-6 major decision that pulled the Diplomats within one at 8-7. Dailey picked up four takedowns in the match, including a pair in the opening frame.
A Columbia pin at 157 pounds padded the Lions' advantage at 14-7 before Emmett LiCastri brought the team score within two off a 16-1 tech. fall against Sam Webster. LiCastri racked up the scoring in the first period with two takedowns and four near fall points.
F&M was unable to make up any more ground as Columbia rattled off three straight wins. Cenzo Pelusi closed the match in style for the Diplomats, however, shutting down San Conley with a 5-0 decision victory.
Later in the afternoon against Hofstra, the Diplomats fell behind by an 11-0 mark heading into 141 pounds. Gil continued his impressive season and improved to a perfect 9-0 in duals with a 3-2 decision win over Vinny Vespa.
The match was scoreless after the first before Gil chose bottom to start the second and got on the scoreboard with a reversal. Vespa followed with a pair of escapes but Gil earned the riding time point to snag the win.
Hofstra followed with bonus points in three of the next four bouts to put the team score out of reach for good.
F&M takes a break from dual meet action before returning to competition at home on Thursday, Feb. 13th against Millersville at 8:00 p.m. The match against the Marauders is set to serve as the Diplomats' senior night, as well as the annual battle for the Rupp Cup.
Columbia 25, F&M 15
125: Joe Manchio (COLU) over Jose Diaz (F&M) (Dec 4-2)
133: Angelo Rini (COLU) over Jack Bruce (F&M) (TF 22-3 5:52)
141: Wil Gil (F&M) over Matt Kazimir (COLU) (Dec 7-5)
149: Cristiaan Dailey (F&M) over Andrew Garr (COLU) (MD 14-6)
157: Kyle Mosher (COLU) over Noah Chan (F&M) (Fall 1:55)
165: Emmett LiCastri (F&M) over Sam Webster (COLU) (TF 16-1 7:00)
174: Lennox Wolak (COLU) over Crew Fullerton (F&M) (TF 23-3 6:34)
184: Joe Franzese (COLU) over Reid Robilotto (F&M) (Dec 6-2)
197: Sam Wustefeld (COLU) over Ethan Seeley (F&M) (Dec 10-4)
285: Cenzo Pelusi (F&M) over Dan Conley (COLU) (Dec 5-0)
Hofstra 45, F&M 3
125: Dylan Ryder (HOFS) over Jose Diaz (F&M) (TF 17-2 7:00)
133: Justin Hoyle (HOFS) over Jack Bruce (F&M) (Fall 1:37)
141: Wil Gil (F&M) over Vinny Vespa (HOFS) (Dec 3-2)
149: Reece Heller (HOFS) over Cristiaan Dailey (F&M) (Fall 3:26)
157: Holden Heller (HOFS) over Noah Chan (F&M) (Fall 3:47)
165: Ricky Stamm (HOFS) over Emmett LiCastri (F&M) (Dec 8-6)
174: Sage Heller (HOFS) over Crew Fullerton (F&M) (Fall 6:58)
184: Charles Small (HOFS) over (F&M) (M. For.)
197: Trey Rogers (HOFS) over Ethan Seeley (F&M) (MD 18-6)
285: Zachary Knighton-Ward (HOFS) over Cenzo Pelusi (F&M) (Dec 8-1)
