The Virginia wrestling team faced a tough challenge on Friday night, wrapping up their conference schedule with a 37-0 loss to No. 15 Pitt. This match was a testament to the fierce competition in the ACC, as Virginia battled hard but ultimately fell short.
Key Match Highlights
Two of Virginia's wrestlers, Wynton Denkins at 149 pounds and Michael Murphy at 165 pounds, pushed their matches into overtime against nationally-ranked opponents. Denkins fought valiantly but was edged out in the tiebreak rounds, while Murphy was defeated in a sudden victory round.
In another nail-biter, No. 22 Keyveon Roller lost a tightly contested 2-1 match, decided by riding time. These close matches highlight the razor-thin margins that can define wrestling at this level.
Coach Garland's Perspective
Head Coach Steve Garland expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, emphasizing the need for change as they head into the ACC Championships. "We had two overtime matches that we lost late.
We’ve got to get those," Garland noted, highlighting the importance of strategy and execution. He acknowledged mistakes at 141 pounds but praised the fight in his wrestler, Kyren Butler.
Garland is committed to making improvements before the upcoming tournament.
Match Results
- 184 lbs: No. 27 Chase Kranitz (Pitt) major decision over Griffin Gammell, 11-1
- 197 lbs: No. 9 Mac Stout (Pitt) major decision over Steven Burrell Jr., 13-2
- 285 lbs: No. 15 Dayton Pitzer (Pitt) decision over Brenan Morgan, 7-1
- 125 lbs: Tyler Chappell (Pitt) decision over No. 22 Keyveon Roller, 2-1
- 133 lbs: No. 26 Evan Tallmadge (Pitt) won by forfeit
- 141 lbs: Anthony Santaniello (Pitt) decision over Kyren Butler, 13-8
- 149 lbs: No.
23 Kade Brown (Pitt) decision over Wynton Denkins, 6-1 (TB-1)
- 157 lbs: No.
19 Dylan Evans (Pitt) major decision over No. 30 Colton Washleski, 13-2
- 165 lbs: No. 32 Jared Keslar (Pitt) decision over Michael Murphy, 4-1 (sv-1)
- 174 lbs: No. 15 Luca Augustine (Pitt) major decision over No.
32 Nick Hamilton, 12-1
Looking Ahead
Virginia will regroup and prepare for the ACC Championships at Virginia Tech on March 8. With the stakes higher than ever, Coach Garland and his staff are focused on making the necessary adjustments to ensure a stronger performance. The Cavaliers are determined to turn their season around and make a statement at the tournament.