Toppers Win Thriller

11/14/2013

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University wrestling team saved the best for last in a thrilling 24-18 victory against nationally-ranked Waynesburg (Pa.) Wednesday night at the ASRC. Trailing by an 18-15 count heading into the final two matches, Coach Brian Davis's Hilltoppers got a clutch 4-3 decision from 197-pounder Danny Doyle to forge an 18-18 tie with the Yellow Jackets, who were ranked No. 12 in the NCAA Division III preseason coaches' poll.

With victory or defeat riding on the 285-pound match, Hilltopper sophomore Aaron Silverio traded escapes with Yellow Jacket heavyweight Greg Kumer to send the night's final bout into overtime tied at 1-1.

There was no scoring in the first overtime period but Silverio exploded to his feet out of the "down" position at the start of the second overtime, spun Kumer to the mat and pinned him just 15 seconds after the whistle to send the home fans home happy.

Zach Brown (125), Art Hobley (149) and Mike Emery (165) all had decisions for the Hilltoppers while Bryce Gainer needed just 25 seconds to pin Waynesburg's Filippo Crivelli at 133 pounds.

West Liberty returns to action on Saturday when they head to Alliance, Ohio to compete in the Mount Union Invitational.

West Liberty 24, Waynesburg 18
125: Zach Brown (WLU) d. Gordan Bieber, 2-1
133: Bryce Gainer (WLU) p. Filippo Crivelli, :25
141: Jake Vitolo (Way) tf. Cole Nace, 16-1
149: Art Hobley (WLU) d. Shane Foster, 8-7
157: Luke Lohr (Way) md. David Schlieper, 20-8
165: Mike Emery (WLU) d. Eric Tuck, 4-1
174: Anthony Bonaventura (Way) d. Eric Antesberger, 3-1, OT
184: Cameron Fine (Way) p. R.J. Waugh, 1:40
197: Danny Doyle (WLU) d. Patrick Jennings, 4-3
285: Aaron Silverio (WLU) p. Greg Kumer, 8:15


Return to the WV-Mat front page