Feb. 8, 2009

WASHINGTON - The American University wrestling team suffered its first loss in the EIWA yesterday afternoon with a 19-17 defeat at Rutgers. The Eagles led the match 17-13 heading into the final bout at heavyweight before the Scarlet Knight's D.J. Russo pinned Quinton Pruett to steal the victory. No. 2 Mike Cannon and No. 12 Kyle Borshoff both picked up bonus points in the victory via major decisions.

American took an early 6-0 lead in the match as Thomas Williams defeated Matt Fusco at 125 lbs., 6-4, and 133-pounder Jasen Borshoff defeated Mike Demarco, 8-2. Trevor Melde earned a decision over Matt Mariacher at 141 lbs., 10-5, to cut AU's lead to three, 6-3.

K. Borshoff earned the first bonus points of the day at 149 lbs. with an 11-0 major decision against Kellen Bradley. Rutgers however got those points right back at 157 lbs. as No. 11 Scott Winston took a 9-1 major decision over Patrick Graham. The Scarlet Knights then evened the score at 10 as 165-pounder Matt Pletcher defeated Christopher Stout, 6-3.

The Eagles took the lead right back via a major decision by Cannon. Cannon defeated Mike Whalen 14-2 to improve to 23-0 on the season and put AU ahead, 14-10. Rutgers cut back into the AU lead at 184 lbs. though as McPaul Ogbonna earned a decision over Andy Semple, 4-1.

197-pounder Andrew Silber gave American a four-point lead with his 7-2 decision over Karim Mahmoud, putting AU on top 17-13 with one final weight to be decided. Pruett however could not seal the win for American as he was pinned by Russo at 3:06, giving Rutgers its first lead of the day and the match, 19-17.

The Eagles loss was their first loss in the EIWA this year and ended a four-match winning streak. AU is now 4-1 in the conference and 10-4 overall.

AU will be back in action on Sunday, Feb. 8, as it puts its perfect 3-0 record at home on the line against regional rival George Mason at 2 p.m. Tickets to Sunday's dual are still available and can be purchased by clicking here or calling (202) 885-TIXX.

American 17, Rutgers 19
125 - Thomas Williams (AU) dec. Matt Fusco (RU), 6-4, 3-0
133 - Jasen Borshoff (AU) dec. Mike Demarco (RU), 8-2, 6-0
141 - Trevor Melde (RU) dec. Matt Mariacher (AU), 10-5, 6-3
149 - No. 12 Kyle Borshoff (AU) maj. dec. Kellen Bradley (RU), 11-0, 10-3
157 - No. 11 scott Winston (RU) maj. dec. Patrick Graham (AU), 9-1, 10-7
165 - Matt Pletcher (RU) dec. Christopher Stout (AU), 6-3, 10-10
174 - No. 2 Mike Cannon (AU) maj. dec. Mike Whalen (RU), 14-2, 14-10
184 - McPaul Ogbonna (RU) dec. Andy Semple (AU), 4-1, 14-13
197 - Andrew Silber (AU) dec. Karim Mahmoud (RU), 7-2, 17-13
HWT - D.J. Russo (RU) fall Quinton Pruett (AU), 3:06, 17-19