The American University wrestling team traveled to Norfolk, Va. to take on its second CAA opponent in as many days, falling to Old Dominion, 23-9, on Friday night.
Old Dominion earned decisions in the first three bouts of the night, despite a number of tight matches. Kevin Tao registered the first victory of the night for the Eagles, picking up a 4-2 decision over Alexander Richardson to cut Old Dominion's lead to 9-3. The Monarchs won the next bout at 157 lbs., a 10-2 major decision by Brennan Brumley for the 13-3 advantage.
Phillip Barreiro put American back on the board, earning a 10-5 decision over Brett Miller at 165 lbs. The Eagles dropped the next three bouts before Blake Herrin recorded a 7-2 decision over Old Dominion's Matt Tourdot at heavyweight for the 23-9 final score.
"Kevin, Phil and Blake all wrestled very well," said Head Coach Teague Moore. "They won the small battles and Blake earned a very big win at heavyweight. We lost too many close matches where we had a number of chances to win. The mistakes can be fixed by wrestling more aggressive and attacking to the finish. We will learn a lot from this match if we allow ourselves to."
American will travel to Chattanooga, Tenn. next for the Southern Scuffle on Tuesday, January 1 and Wednesday, January 2.
Old Dominion 23, American 9
125: Rob Deutsch (ODU) dec. David Terao (American), 4-2; Old Dominion, 3-0
133: Scott Festejo (ODU) dec. Esteban Gomez-Rivera (American), 9-3; Old Dominion, 6-0
141: Chris Meacte (ODU) dec. John Boyle (American), 4-3; Old Dominion, 9-0
149: Kevin Tao (American) dec. Alexander Richardson (ODU), 4-2; Old Dominion, 9-3
157: Brennan Brumley (ODU) major dec. Mark Cirello (American), 10-2; Old Dominion, 13-3
165: Phillip Barreiro (American) dec. Brett Miller (ODU), 10-5; Old Dominion, 13-6
174: Billy Curling (ODU) dec. Keithen Cast (American), 3-1; Old Dominion, 16-6
184: Austin Coburn (ODU) dec. Thomas Barreiro (American), 6-2; Old Dominion, 19-6
197: Jacob Henderson (ODU) major dec. Devon Bradley (American), 12-0; Old Dominion, 23-6
HWT: Blake Herrin (American) dec. Matt Tourdot (ODU), 7-2; Old Dominion, 23-9
