The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team split a pair of matches to finish third at the Virginia Duals today.  The Mocs dropped the afternoon bout against No. 15 Iowa State 22-13, but bounced back for a big win over Arizona State by the same score in the nightcap. 

UTC (8-3) took four matches off of the Cyclones and had a few other close calls. Junior Sean Mappes led the way with a 4-3 decision over No. 18 Lelund Weatherspoon at 174.  Juniors Michael Pongracz (141) and Jared Johnson (285) and freshman Kamaal Shakur (157) also scored wins.  Pongracz got a bonus point with a major decision at 141. 

"Pongo going undefeated on the weekend was huge for us," state Eslinger.  "Up and down the lineup, different guys showed up when they needed to."
UTC had a chance against the Cyclones.  Junior Scottie Boykin lost in overtime at 197 and freshman Dominic Lampe gave up an uncharacteristic pin at 165. 

The loss set up the third place match against the Sun Devils.  Chattanooga jumped out to a 12-0 lead after three matches, thanks to some outstanding performances at the top of the lineup. 

Freshman Alonzo Allen opened with a 22-5 tech fall against Ares Carpio.  Sophomore Cody Hill followed with an 11-7 decision at 133, while Pongo added a major at 141. 

"That was an unreal performance by Alonzo Allen," added Eslinger.  "You saw his potential in that match and what he is capable of becoming."

Arizona State took the next two to close the gap to 12-7.  The Mocs were hit with a penalty point at 157, but Lampe picked up the slack with a win at 165.  Sophomore Barrett Walthall stepped in for a win at 174 and junior McCoy Newberg clinched the team win with a major decision at 184.    

Eslinger turned the last two matches over to his bench, giving junior D.J. Franklin-Smith and freshman Connor Tolley a shot at 197 and heavyweight. 

"It was a great way to end the weekend," said Eslinger.  "I am so thankful to have a team that is not selfish.  I love these team events and it was a great result for us.  We have a long ride home and a short week to get ready for a conference match on Friday."

Iowa State went on to win the tournament with a 16-14 upset over No. 3 Virginia Tech.  UTC is back in action on Friday, Jan. 15, when they host Gardner-Webb at 6:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) in Maclellan Gym.  Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com or by calling the UTC Ticket Office at (423) 266-MOCS (6627). 

Chattanooga 22 – Arizona State 13
125: Alonzo Allen (UTC) – Tech fall 22-7 - Ares Carpio (ASU) – UTC 5-0
133: Cody Hill (UTC) – Dec. 11-7 - Mikel Perales (ASU) – UTC 8-0
141: Michael Pongracz (UTC) – MD 15-6 - Robert Mathers (ASU) – UTC 12-0
149: Christian Pagdilao (ASU) – Dec. 17-10 - Andrew Webb (UTC) – UTC 12-3
157: Gene `Oliver` Pierce (ASU) – MD 11-3 - Kamaal Shakur (UTC) – UTC 11-7 (UTC -1)
165: Dominic Lampe (UTC) – MD 16-7 - Jacen Petersen (ASU) – UTC 15-7
174: Barrett Walthall (UTC) – Dec. 9-3 - Preston McCalmon (ASU) – UTC 18-7
184: McCoy Newberg (UTC) – MD 9-0 - Anthony Anderson (ASU) – UTC 22-7
197: Joshua Dasilveira (ASU) – Dec. 3-1 - D.J. Franklin-Smith (UTC) – UTC 22-10
285: Chance Eskam (ASU) – Dec. 8-2 - Connor Tolley (UTC) – UTC 22-13

No. 15 Iowa State 22 - Chattanooga 13
125: Kyle Larson (ISU) – Dec. 10-4 - Alonzo Allen (UTC) – ISU 3-0
133: No. 14 Earl Hall (ISU) – MD 16-4 - Cody Hill (UTC) – ISU 7-0
141: Michael Pongracz (UTC) – MD 8-0 - John Meeks (ISU) – ISU 7-4
149: No. 16 Gabe Moreno (ISU) – Dec. 5-2 - Chase Zemenak (UTC) – ISU 10-4
157: Kamaal Shakur (UTC) – Dec. 16-9 - Logan Breitenbach (ISU) – ISU 10-7
165: No. 11 Tanner Weatherman (ISU) – Fall 6:36 - Dominic Lampe (UTC) – ISU 16-7
174: Sean Mappes (UTC) – Dec. 4-3 – No. 18 Lelund Weatherspoon (ISU) – ISU 16-10
184: Dane Pestano (ISU) – Dec. 6-3 - McCoy Newberg (UTC) – ISU 19-10
197: Duke Egli (ISU) – Dec. 5-3 (SV1) - Scottie Boykin (UTC) – ISU 22-10
285: No. 11 Jared Johnson (UTC) – Dec. 4-1 - Joe Scanlan (ISU) – ISU 22-13