Bridgewater, MA – This weekend, the Williams College wrestlers ventured to Bridgewater State University in pursuit of their seventh dual meet victory of the season. The Ephs had previously encountered some of the Bridgewater Bears earlier in the season at the Doug Parker Invitational but today marked their first head-to-head competition. The event began with a series of exhibition matches, where the Williams wrestlers swept the Bears, setting the tone for the 10-match dual meet that followed.
Overall, the Ephs delivered an impressive performance, securing a convincing 42-9 victory with standout displays across the roster. The team will head back to Williamstown with confidence, having added another important win to their record. This victory provides valuable momentum as they prepare for the NEWA Duals next week and edge closer to the postseason.
Christopher Colon, competing at 125 pounds, faced Sei Dolomengi in the first bout of the day. Colon started strong, scoring a take down within the first minute. Dolomengi struggled to escape, and Colon's dominance on top led to a victory by fall in the first period.
Next,
Jack Napeloni grappled Christopher Dubey at 133 pounds. Napeloni showcased his experience and composure under pressure. Napeloni executed two beautiful double-leg takedowns early in the first period to establish a 6-0 lead. He followed with a cradle, earning four near-fall points, and with the score at 10-2, brought the Williams bench to its feet by performing a gator roll for four additional near-fall points. Napeloni sealed the bout with a 17-2 technical fall victory.
At 141 pounds,
Tylor Stubbs continued the Ephs' dominance with an 11-0 major decision victory. Stubbs impressed with superb shot defense and two impressive mat returns, turning his opponent's attacks into scoring opportunities.
Leonardo Maiuolo followed with a stellar pin just three minutes into his match. Utilizing an early scramble, Maiuolo secured a take down and stayed heavy on top, maintaining control. As he wore down his opponent, he found the perfect position to strike and earn the pin.
Junior captain
Peter Kane delivered another standout performance at 157 pounds. Kane employed a Russian tie 15 seconds into the match to take his opponent to the mat. His relentless intensity overwhelmed Jonathan Clarke, earning six more points for the Ephs.
At 165 pounds,
Fisher Stites added five more points with a dominant technical fall victory. Stites executed a series of take downs throughout the first and second periods, including an incredible duck-under take down, ultimately building a 21-5 advantage.
Sean Tansey faced a tough opponent in Michael Hopkins, the Bears' senior captain. Despite a valiant effort, Tansey fell just short, losing by a narrow 7-4 decision in a gripping bout. In the following match,
Zach Borzio entertained with another victory by fall for the Ephs. Borzio displayed excellent shot defense, evading multiple take down attempts by James Grover. After disrupting Grover's balance, he regained control of the match. Borzio's intelligent and skillful grappling helped him build a 10-0 lead by the end of the first period and a minute later, secured the pin.
The final two bouts featured
Max Hall and
Thomas Goodwin. Hall was pinned by his opponent, while Goodwin ended the meet with a 10-1 major decision victory. The Ephs secured an impressive 42-9 final score, highlighting the progress they have made this season under head coach
Scott Honecker.
Here is what Coach Honecker had to say about the team's performance: "This was a good checkpoint as we head into the NEWA Duals next Sunday. We were able to get 14 guys matches, and everyone performed well. I'm excited to get back to the room and make some adjustments as we continue to grow in pursuit of our peak performance in a couple of months."
Looking ahead, the Ephs face an exciting and critical week as they compete in the NEWA Duals at Johnson & Wales University, testing themselves against some of the best wrestlers in the region.
Ephs Results against Bridgewater State:
Christopher Colon (125) win by 2:20 fall over Sei Dolomengi
Jack Napeloni (133) win by 3:00 (17-2) tech fall over Christopher Dubey
Tylor Stubbs (141) win by 11-0 major decision over Malcolm Chrispin
Leonardo Maiuolo (149) win by 3:00 fall over James Calabrese
Peter Kane (157) win by 1:20 fall over Jonathan Clarke
Fisher Stites (165) win by 3:27 (21-5) tech fall over Nathan Quiones
Sean Tansey (174) loss by 7-4 decision to Michael Hopkins
Zach Borzio (184) win by 4:10 fall over James Grover
Max Hall (197) loss by 3:19 fall to Christian Curley
Thomas Goodwin (285) win by 10-1 major decision over Mathew Piper
Final Score: Williams -42, Bridgewater State -9
Exhibition Matches:
Lucas Johnson win by 1:37 fall over Adam Distasio
Donnie Morton win by 9-8 decision over Kyle Rhoton
Henry Forte win by 1:23 fall over Paul Hough
Jamie Evarts win by 1:04 fall over Asante Sanders
