In a dominant display, No. 11 Rutgers wrestling team wrapped up their regular season with a commanding 45-3 victory over Hofstra at the David S.
Mack Sports and Exhibition Center. The Scarlet Knights showcased their prowess with a 9-1 match split, highlighted by impressive pins from No.
6 Joseph Olivieri (141), No. 19 Hunter Catka (HWT), and Jordan Chapman (184).
This victory marks the ninth time Rutgers has achieved 14 or more dual wins in a season under the guidance of head coach Scott Goodale. It's a testament to their consistent excellence, with double-digit dual victories in 17 out of Goodale's 19 years at the helm.
Rutgers didn't just win; they dominated with seven bonus-point victories. No.
20 Lenny Pinto (174), No. 28 Andrew Clark (149), and Devon Magro (157) each notched tech falls, while PJ Casale (197) secured a win by injury default.
Hofstra's Teague Strobel managed to edge out No. 24 Ayden Smith (125) in tiebreakers, giving the Pride an early 3-0 lead.
However, No. 25 Dylan Shawver (133) responded with a decisive 13-8 victory over the reigning EIWA Wrestler of the Week, Gauge Shipp, leveling the score at 3-3.
From there, Olivieri ignited a streak of bonus-point wins for Rutgers, pinning Chase Liardi in the second period. Clark followed with an 18-0 tech fall over Jackson Slotnick, thanks to three takedowns and two four-point tilts. Making his first dual start since December, Magro moved up a weight class and dominated Eric Schindel with a 17-2 tech fall, pushing Rutgers to a 19-3 lead.
No. 19 Andrew Barbosa (165) secured a solid 4-1 decision over Jake Slotnick, while Pinto's tech fall over Matt Rogers extended the lead to 27-3, effectively sealing the dual.
Chapman added to the tally by pinning Josh Jorgge in the first period. An injury default by Will Conlon gave Casale the win, and Catka capped off the night with a five-takedown opening period before pinning Adrian Sans.
Looking ahead, Rutgers will take a brief break before competing in the 2026 Big Ten Championships on March 7-8 in State College, Pennsylvania. This win sets a strong foundation as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Box Score
- 125: Teague Strobel (HOF) over No. 24 Ayden Smith (RU) by TB2, 3-2; HOF leads, 3-0
- 133: No. 25 Dylan Shawver (RU) over Gauge Shipp (HOF) by dec., 13-8; Match tied, 3-3
- 141: No. 6 Joseph Olivieri (RU) over Chase Liardi (HOF) by fall (3:36); RU leads, 9-3
- 149: No. 28 Andrew Clark (RU) over Jackson Slotnick (HOF) by TF, 18-0 (5:49); RU leads, 14-3
- 157: Devon Magro (RU) over Eric Schindel (HOF) by TF, 17-2 (7:00); RU leads, 19-3
- 165: No.
19 Andrew Barbosa (RU) over Jake Slotnick (HOF) by dec., 4-1; RU leads, 22-3
- 174: No.
20 Lenny Pinto (RU) over Matt Rogers (HOF) by TF, 18-3 (5:58); RU leads, 27-3
- 184: Jordan Chapman (RU) over Josh Jorgge (HOF) by fall (2:06); RU leads, 33-3
- 197: PJ Casale over Will Conlon (HOF) by inj. def (4:43); RU leads, 39-3
- HWT: No.
19 Hunter Catka (RU) over Adrian Sans (HOF) by fall (2:31); RU wins, 45-3