FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Franklin & Marshall wrestling team remained undefeated against EIWA competition (2-0) with a 28-13 win at Sacred Heart on Sunday afternoon. The Diplomats secured bonus points in four of their seven victories to run their season record to 6-1 overall.
The dual started at 174 lbs. where John Crawford set the tone early. Taking on Ryan Bolletino, the brother of F&M wrestler Chris Bolletino, Crawford secured three takedowns in his match. His offensive output included two third period takedowns to help him secure the 11-3 major decision. Crawford improved to 7-5 on the year with his third major decision. F&M quickly made it 10-0 as James Conway improved to 16-9 during his rookie campaign. He found himself in a 6-0 hole, but escaped and had a takedown in the second period before his opponent suffered an unfortunate injury and was unable to continue. With that victory, Conway improved to 6-1 in duals. Sacred Heart earned its first three points of the afternoon at 197 lbs. when NCAA qualifier Joe Accousti handed Mike Waszen a 5-1 setback despite a furious last minute pace from the Diplomat senior.
Franklin & Marshall quickly regained the momentum with three consecutive wins, taking a 22-3 lead at the halfway mark. Cenzo Pelusi picked up his third major decision this season against Nick Copley behind three third period takedowns during a 12-3 major. Pelusi finished the match with five total takedowns and is now 5-1 in dual action and 10-5 overall. Gio Diaz continued to impress at 125 lbs. as he rolled to a 7-1 decision behind two takedowns and reversal. The Diplomat sophomore is now 6-2 at that weight class and riding a five-match winning streak. Pat Phillips remained a perfect 6-0 in dual competition with an 18-0 technical fall early just 18 seconds into the second period. Phillips did most of his work in the top position with 10 points on tilts during the opening period. His opponent opted for neutral but it was Phillips who earned the takedown and nearly secured the fall during his 13th win of the season.
The Diplomats shuffled the lineup over the last four weights as F&M sent Nick Tewell to the mat at 141 lbs. Tewell was down just 4-3 midway through the second period before his opponent poured it on late with a 13-3 major. Three regulars in the F&M lineup bumped up a weight and they showed themselves up to the battle. Wil Gil secured a third period takedown to notch of 5-3 win at 149 lbs. The senior is now 19-5 this season with a 7-0 record in duals and 9-1 mark against EIWA foes. Chase McCollum nearly closed the dual meet with another bonus point victory as he was pushing for a late takedown before completing an 8-1 decision. His opponent gave up two stalling points to help stave off the major decision as McCollum improved to 5-2 in dual meets. Sacred Heart was able to secure the win at 157 lbs. where NCAA qualifier Nick Palumbo picked up third period fall against Cristiaan Dailey.
Franklin & Marshall will officially welcome its fans back to the Mayser Center this coming Wednesday as the Diplomats take on McDaniel at 7 p.m.
Franklin & Marshall 28, Sacred Heart 13
174: John Crawford (F&M) maj. Ryan Bolletino (SH); 11-3 (4-0)
184: James Conway (F&M) inj. def. Robert Hetherman (SH); 3:48 (10-0)
197: Joe Accousti (SH) dec. Mike Waszen (F&M); 5-1 (10-3)
285: Cenzo Pelusi (F&M) maj. Nick Copley (SH); 12-3 (14-3)
125: Gio Diaz (F&M) dec. Jacob Venezia (SH); 7-1 (17-3)
133: Pat Phillips (F&M) TF Cole Meyer (SH); 3:18 (18-0) (22-3)
141: Chris Naegele (SH) maj. Nick Tewell (F&M); 13-3 (22-7)
149: Wil Gil (F&M) dec. Rafael Lievano (SH); 5-3 (25-7)
157: Nick Palumbo (SH) WBF Cristiaan Dailey (F&M); 5:47 (25-13)
165: Chase McCollum (F&M) dec. Shaun Williams (SH); 8-1 (28-13)
