LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After finishing second in their pool Friday evening, the Apprentice School wrestling squad advanced to the semi-finals before falling to the 2022 champions, Liberty University, by a single point, 25-24. The Builders went on to finish in fourth place, falling in the third place match.

The first round Saturday saw Apprentice defeat perennial powerhouse Grand Valley State by a score of 29-20. The Builders took an early 16-0 lead after a forfeit, a major decision from Dillon Messick over seventh ranked Logan Klinge, a come-from-behind decision from Jordan Robins over No. 8 Gabriel Martinez and a 5-2 decision from Zach Ortega over fourth ranked Joey Murphy, who defeated Ortega earlier in the season. Grand Valley responded with a pin, a major and a forfeit to tie the score, 16-16. The teams traded wins in the next two bouts as freshman Ethan Baker wrestled up from 165 to 184, earning a 5-0 shutout. Russ Pierce and Peter Cortapasso closed out the dual with a pin and a major decision, respectively. 

The semi-finals against Liberty featured three rematches of 2022 national finals bouts at 125, 235 and heavyweight. Bruno Alves got his redemption over top ranked Donte Minnino with a 9-2 decision. Pins from Robins and Messick put the Builders up 15-0 before a come-from-behind pin from Liberty at 149. A pin from Baker at 165 and a decision from David McElravy at 184 were not enough to hold onto the lead as Liberty won the final three bouts with their top ranked wrestlers at 197, 235 and 285. 

The third place dual pitted Apprentice in a rematch from Friday with Queens Charlotte. A reserved lineup from Apprentice could not repeat with another win over Queena, falling 23-22 for 4th place. Finding wins were Caleb Olgers at 125 (8-2 decision), Dillon Messick at 133 (pin), Ortega at 149 (18-8 major), Russ Pierce at 235 (2-1 decision) and Peter Cortapasso (pin).

Bellarmine went on to win the title with a 29-21 win over Liberty in the finals.

Apprentice will head five minutes up the road next weekend for the 42nd Annual Virginia Duals at the Hampton Coliseum. The American College division will feature the most stacked field in the history of the event. Dual pairings will be announced later in the week.