The Flashes are tested at VA Duals

Kent State wrestling squad is a young one with several blue chip recruits looking to make their mark in the line up this year. They traveled to the Virginia Duals to test themselves against a deep field of teams from all over the country.

Kent State (9-6) ended its day on a high note with a 27-15 win over Fresno State during day one of the Virginia Duals Friday at Hampton Coliseum. The Golden Flashes dropped their opening dual to Chattanooga 23-15, then fell victim to No. 11 Northern Iowa 32-6.

Freshmen accounted for three of the Flashes’ seven victories against Fresno State, including Jake Ferri, who earned his first varsity dual win at 125 pounds.

The other wins by freshmen came from Dylan Barreiro (174) and Colin McCracken (184), who recorded a second period pin.  McCracken used an arm bar and a far wrist to put Angel Solis on his back and give Kent State a commanding 24-9 lead with two matches to go.

Junior Anthony Tutolo (133) went 3-0 on the day and avenged a loss from the 2017 NCAA Championships with a 3-2 victory over Chattanooga’s Chris Debien.  Tutolo earned an escape and a takedown in the second period and fought off a near takedown by Debien late in the match.

Junior Isaac Bast (165) went 2-1 on the day, including one of the Flashes’ two wins against Northern Iowa.

Victories by Tutolo, freshman Nick Monico (149) and junior Casey Sparkman (157) gave the Flashes a 9-7 lead over the Mocs at the midway point.  However, Chattanooga took four straight matches before Devin Nye (285) earned a victory by medical default.  Nye led 10-0 in the second period before Torrez Finney could not continue.

Sophomore Tim Rooney (141) and junior Kyle Conel also had wins Friday, giving Kent State wins in all 10 weight classes.