Wrestlers Fall to UNC Pembroke
February 6, 2010ANDERSON, S.C. -- The Anderson wrestling team battled but fell in the annual Battle for the Belt with rival UNC Pembroke, 29-9, in front of a boisterous crowd of supporters Friday night at the Abney Athletic Center. The Trojans bid farewell to four grapplers on senior night, with two of the Trojans picking up wins and a third falling just shy of collecting a win in his final home appearance. Anderson quickly fell behind 10-0 after two bouts, but senior 141-pounder
Chris Francis used a pair of early takedowns to help build a 6-2 lead, then pinned the Braves’ Wes Whitman at the 4:50 mark, pulling the Trojans within 10-6 after three bouts. Following a win by UNC Pembroke at 149, AU senior J.J. Jackson dropped a narrow 5-4 decision at 157 that took extra time to decide. Jackson and the Braves’ Mike Williams battled to as scoreless draw through the opening period, then Jackson fell behind 3-0 on an escape by Williams and a pair of cautions whistled by the official. But the Lake City, S.C., native rallied to tie the score in the final period with a series of escapes. Williams earned the narrow 5-4 win in the extra time. Senior John Hamrick battled UNCP’s Melvin Jones on even terms, 4-4, through the first period at 184, then gained an 8-5 cushion behind a pair of takedowns in the second frame. Jones pulled within 8-7 in the third and final period, but Hamrick claimed the 11-7 win. Anderson closes the season with a three-match road swing at Davidson, Belmont Abbey and Newberry in preparation for the NCAA Regionals at the end of February.
Match Results
