Williamsburg, KY – The #4 UC Men's Wrestling team defeated (RV) Cumberland University in an exciting Mid-South Conference matchup and moved to 2-0 in conference play. The Patriots secured the dual victory by a score of 23-14 and were led by top scorers #13 Austin Silva, #16 Matteo Vargo, and #7 Adonis Boyd. The team recorded three decisions, two major decisions, and one fall. 

The Patriots got off to an early 4-0 lead with a 13-4 major decision by #16 Matteo Vargo in the 125-bout. The junior tallied three 3-point takedowns, a 2-point reversal, an escape, and riding time over Bentley Ellison (Cumberland).

In the 133-weight class, #7 Adonis Boyd extended the Pats lead 8-0 with a 12-1 major decision victory over Justin Bradford (Cumberland). He marked a 3-point takedown and a 4-point nearfall in the first period. Boyd didn't let up, scoring on a 3-point takedown, an escape, and riding the rest of the way to take the match.

After Cumberland University tied the match at 8-8, Marc LeGaspe stepped up with a big 6-4 decision win over Ellis Otting (Cumberland) to put UC back in front, 11-8. The senior recorded a 3-point takedown, a 2-point reversal, and riding time.

165 wrestler #6 O'Brian Black earned three more points for the Pats and won over Eli Clemmons (Cumberland) in a tight 2-1 decision. Despite no score in the first period, the graduate student fought for an escape in the second. He notched a point for riding time to claim victory.

AT 174-lbs, #10 Dylan Preston increased the lead to 17-8 with a 2-0 decision against #19 Anthony Pyron (Cumberland). After a scoreless mark in the first, Preston battled for an escape in the second and riding time in the third period to collect the win.

After a couple decision defeats, it came down to the 285-bout. #13 Austin Silva secured the victory for the Pats by notching a fall of 6:00 over Evan Dixon (Cumberland). The sophomore tallied two 3-point takedowns and a 2-point reversal before pinning his opponent to end the match.

UC will travel to Marshall, MO and participate in the Missouri Valley Invite on Friday January 24th, with matches beginning at 1 p.m. ET. 

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