RICHMOND, Va. – Facing one of the top teams in the country, the VMI wrestling team fell to No. 16 Virginia by a 35-7 score Friday night in a neutral setting at St. Christopher's School in Richmond.

The Keydets trailed by a 17-4 score through five bouts and were unable to pick up momentum in the final half as the Cavaliers picked up the win.

Dalton Henderson earned a quick win for VMI at 125 pounds for a 4-0 lead by dominating Joe Martinez in a 13-2 major decision. The advantage was short-lived, however, as the Cavaliers rallied for four consecutive victories to build a 17-4 lead through five bouts. VMI 133-pounder Bennie Pachello was pinned by the fifth-ranked wrestler in the country, George DiCamillo, in the second period (5:54). Virginia also earned major decision victories at 141 and 157 pounds to build the lead.

Junior Shabaka Johns put three more points on the board for VMI by defeating Virginia's Dustin Roemer by an 11-8 decision at 165 pounds. Despite the win, the Keydets were unable to pick up additional points in the final four matches as the Cavaliers earned bonus points in three of the bouts.

The Keydets return to action next Friday, Jan. 15, with a dual against SoCon opponent Campbell at home. The match is slated for a 7:30 p.m. start at The Pit at Cormack Hall.