SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Making the most of the weekend following news of the cancellation of the NEWA Dual Championships, the Wesleyan wrestling team battled their way to a 27-12 win at Western New England on Saturday evening. Another win moves the Cardinals to 4-0 in the dual match portion of the schedule while the Golden Bears fall to 6-3.
 
The Cardinals came out on fire, recording five straight wins to take a commanding 18-0 lead at the midway point of the match. Chris Hong '27 started the proceedings with a 5-4 win at 125 over Ethan Titus, landing a crucial takedown in the second period in a come-from-behind victory. Taylor Tan '29 followed with a 7-2 win over Clayton O'Connor at 133, securing takedowns in both the first and third periods.
 
After missing the Will Abele Invitational last weekend, Hayden Myers' 27 returned to the mat with vengeance as the Top 5 ranked wrestler at 141 pinned Austin Monteiro in 1:25 to remain undefeated on the season and make it 12-0 Wesleyan.
 
Following a title-winning run at Ursinus last weekend, Ike Guttentag '26 continued a string of wins at 149 with a 5-0 triumph over James Linder, landing the pivotal takedown in the second period. Ronnie Christolin '28 made it 18-0 Cardinals with a fourth decision win for Wesleyan, as the sophomore defeated Matthew Rodriguez at 157 in a 4-1 score line.
 
Western New England stayed in the match with decision wins at 165 and 174, setting the stage for Roman Martinez '27 who clinched the match with a thrilling OT win at 184. A high-scoring affair against Nicholas Baccala required an extra period as Martinez managed to escape following a Baccala takedown late in the third period to make it 13-13. Then in the overtime period, Martinez landed his fourth takedown of the match to secure a 16-13 win and the match win for the Cardinals.
 
The Golden Bears landed a pin at 197 while Michael DiOrio '29 finished off the match with a disqualification win at 285 as Nemo Pettway was forced into an exit late in the third period after DiOrio had dominated the match with three takedowns over the final two periods.
 
Silvan Unger '29 finished the day with a 23-4 tech fall win over Jacob Gordon in an exhibition (bonus) match following the 10 varsity bouts.
 
Wesleyan enjoys an off week before traveling to Oneonta for a challenging quad meet with matches against Williams, Ithaca, and Oneonta on Saturday, Feb. 7.