OREM, Utah – Utah Valley wrestling defeated the United States Air Force Academy, 24-15, on Friday night inside the Lockhart Arena. The Wolverines (7-8, 3-5) won six of the ten bouts of the night, including bonus-point wins from
Kase Mauger,
Smokey McClure, and No. 4
Terrell Barraclough. Gage Musser led Air Force (4-6, 0-6) with a win at 184.
"That wasn't our best performance, but we found a way to win. We were hesitant and sloppy, which cost us a few matches. The quick turnaround from a high-energy match last night may have affected our guys, but we will still put work in tomorrow to fix these mistakes. We have set the bar very high for ourselves in year one, and we will be better because of it. I'm grateful for the big crowd and the large group of alumni who came back to Orem tonight. I'm looking forward to our regular season finale next week. Go Wolverines!" said UVU head coach
Adam Hall.
Bridger Ricks started the night with a 4-2 decision over Nico Tocci, despite trailing 2-1 in the third period after being called for locked hands. The junior of Peery, Utah, responded with a takedown as the clock went under 20 seconds before holding on for the win.
The Wolverines took a 7-0 lead following the 133 bout, with Mauger earning his 60
th career win of his career with a major decision, his first of the season. A fast start with two first-period takedowns quickly put him in front before going up 9-1 in the second period. The Air Force's Gavin Caprella was held scoreless the rest of the way.
Air Force battled back with a fall from freshman Carter Nogle at 141 to make it 7-6 before the Wolverines' McClure recorded his first career pin in the following match in 4:28. He improves to 2-0 in dual action inside Lockhart Arena after beating Oregon State's Victor Cajinto back in December.
Barraclough followed up his epic win over No. 3 Peyton Hall last night in Layton with five takedowns to lead from start to finish against Logan Fowler. Nine of his points came in the third period to hold on to his ninth major decision over the year and an impressive 22-1 record with a 13-0 dual record.
The Wolverines pulled away with a win from
Mark Takara over senior Jack Ganos. Holding a 3-0 lead with a first-period takedown, Takara continued to add on with two escapes and a third takedown to distance himself in the match. Ganos continued to try to narrow the gap, but in the end, it went to the UVU redshirt sophomore, 11-7.
The Falcons came up with wins at 184 and 197, both by decision, to get within striking distance at 20-15 heading to the heavyweight clash. Forbes got out to a quick start with two takedowns in the opening frame to go up 6-2 before adding two more in the final period for a 14-3 major decision and to secure the dual for the Wolverines.
Utah Valley won their third dual of Big 12 action tonight, which is the most conference duals they have won since 2017-2018 when they won four duals. They will have a chance for their fourth dual win of the conference season on Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:00 p.m. MT when they host Northern Colorado inside Lockhart Arena.
Full Results
125 –
Bridger Ricks (UVU) over Nico Tocci (AFA), DEC 4-2 UVU 3-0
133 –
Kase Mauger (UVU) over Gavin Caprella (AFA), MD 9-1 UVU 7-0
141 – Carter Nogle (AFA) over
Patrick Mullen (UVU), Fall (4:03) UVU 7-6
149 –
Smokey McClure (UVU) over Alec Viduya (AFA), Fall (4:28) UVU 13-6
157 – Josh Palacio (AFA) over
Tanner Frothinger (UVU), DEC 13-6 UVU 13-9
165 - #4
Terrell Barraclough (UVU) over Logan Fowler (AFA), MD 19-5 UVU 17-9
174 –
Mark Takara (UVU) over Jack Ganos (AFA), DEC 11-7 UVU 20-9
184 - #31 Gage Musser (AFA) over
Caleb Uhlenhopp (UVU), DEC 4-1 UVU 20-12
197 – Brian Burburija (AFA) over
Kael Bennie (UVU), DEC 10-5 UVU 20-15
285 –
Jack Forbes (UVU) over Antonio Ramos (AFA), MD 14-3 UVU 24-15
Attendance: 1,265
Officials: Eric McGill and Kevin Looper
