LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Apprentice School wrestling squad went 2-1 in pool B action on day one at the NCWA National Duals.

 

The Builders notched a pair of dominant wins before falling to NCAA transitioning team Bellarmine.

 

The first round of action saw the Builders shut out conference rivals Emory & Henry, 59-0. Recording pins were Bruno Alves (125), Dillon Messick (133), David Norris (157), David McElravy (184), Matthew Henson (197) and Peter Cortapasso (285). 

 

In the second round, Apprentice stopped Queens (N.C.), 38-13. The lightweights put on a show putting the Builders up 20-0 after pins from Messick and Zach Ortega at 133 and 149, respectively, a tech fall from Alves and a 8-3 decision from Jordan Robins over third-ranked Melvin Rubio at 141. Queens responded with three consecutive wins to close the gap before another quick pin from McElravy at 184. Seniors Russ Pierce and Cortapasso would close out the dual with two more first period pins.

 

In the final dual of the night, Apprentice would fall to second-seeded Bellarmine, 46-6, only winning at 197 with a forfeit for Henson.

 

With his two pins Friday, Cortapasso passed former national champion Kolin Johnson for third place in career pins at the Apprentice School with 60. 

 

The Builders are slated for a rematch with Grand Valley State at 9 a.m. Saturday. A win could lead to a semifinal matchup with defending champions Liberty University.