Lynchburg, VA - The Apprentice Wrestling squad advanced to the semi-finals of the NCWA National Duals after a pair of victories Friday.  The first round saw the Builders win 42-19 over a shorthanded lineup from James Madison.  After a bye in round two, Apprentice won a nail-biter over perennial contender Grand Valley State 32-22.

 

After three consecutive forfeits from JMU, freshman Zach Ortega and Senior Darek Dabbs recorded first period falls to put the Builders up 30-0.  The Bulldogs would reel off four consecutive wins to cut their deficit 30-19.  Russ Pierce and Peter Cortapasso would answer with two more pins to finish the dual.

 

After missing bouts in the first dual, the Apprentice lightweights stole the show against Grand Valley.  #9 Bruno Alves continued his tear through the division with a 14-5 major decision, followed by another major decision from #3 Dillon Messick at 133 over 9th ranked Dylan Lorincz. #2 Raekwon Jackson carried the team momentum with a 8-4 decision over 14th ranked Gabriel Martinez.  14th ranked Builder Jordan Robins found six more team points with a first period fall over 13th ranked Joey Murphy at 149.  Freshman Zach Ortega raised some eyebrows, bumping up two weights to find a 10-3 decision at 157.  AJ Deutel found his sixth pin of the season at 165 to extend the lead 26-0.  The Lakers responded with four consecutive bonus wins to put themselves in range to steal the dual at 26-22.  Cortapasso saved the day at heavyweight, securing a come-from-behind pin in the 2nd period.

 

With his two pins on the day, Passo passed Coach Harcum with the 6th most career pins in school history at 48.

 

Saturday the Builders will face Grays Harbor in the semi-finals at 10 am.  The winner will likely face defending champions, Liberty.