VMI Wrestling Hangs Tough with George Mason

LEXINGTON, Va. – The VMI wrestling team opened its 2018-19 season Friday evening in Cormack Hall, but George Mason narrowly defeated the Keydets 20-17.

VMI controlled the lighter weight classes, with Derek Shockey winning 2-1 at 125, Hunter Starner scoring a 6-3 victory at 133 and Dom Gallo winning 1-0 at 141. George Mason won the next three matches to take a 13-9 lead.

Neal Richards scored a technical fall at 174 to put VMI back ahead, but the visitors won two of the final three matches to take home the team victory. Chris Beck earned a 2-0 victory for VMI at 197.

"As a coach you're never satisfied with a loss, but I give credit to our guys.," said head coach Jim Gibson. "In the days leading up to tonight our coaching staff emphasized effort and our guys responded.” 

 The Pioneers had defeated VMI 40-9 last winter.

The Keydets will compete Sunday at the Hokie Open in Roanoke, Va. at the Berglund Center.

VMI (17) vs. George Mason (20) - Nov. 2, 2018 - Lexington, Va., Cormack Hall

125: Derek Shockey (VMI) over Talha Farooq (GEMA) (Dec 2-1)

133: Hunter Starner (VMI) over Mel Ortiz (GEMA) (Dec 6-3)

141: Dom Gallo (VMI) over Lio Quezada (GEMA) (Dec 1-0)

149: Tejon Anthony (GEMA) over Darren Ostrander (VMI) (Dec 14-7)

157: Kolby Ho (GEMA) over Jerrod Hunziker (VMI) (TF 27-10 6:07)

165: Neil Schuster (GEMA) over Luke Niksic (VMI) (TF 16-0 5:35)

174: Neal Richards (VMI) over Colston DiBlasi (GEMA) (TF 19-4 7:00)

 184: Phillip Stolfi (GEMA) over Max Gallahan (VMI) (Dec 4-0)

197: Chris Beck (VMI) over Alex Donahue (GEMA) (Dec 2-0)

285: Matt Voss (GEMA) over Trey Momon (VMI) (TF 20-3 2:37)

Comments: (GEMA matside conduct during 174 match -1.0)