PEMBROKE – Patrick Mestrez registered a second-period pin in the opening match to give visiting Belmont Abbey the early advantage, but the UNC Pembroke wrestling team responded by taking each of the evening's final nine bouts en route to a 42-6 rout of the Crusaders on Thursday evening.
The Braves (1-0) accumulated 30 takedowns and six near falls on the night, but did most of their damage with seven bonus-point victories, as well as a forfeit at 174 pounds. It was the second-straight loss of the season for the Crusaders (1-3) who have now dropped six-straight in the series with the Black & Gold as well.
Three newcomers – Cole Murray, Eric Milks and Faris Teia – all posted victories in their home debut. Murray turned in an 8-4 decision over Markus Almeida at 133 pounds, Milks tallied a 15-3 major decision over Sean Webb in the 149-pound bout and Teia needed all but three seconds of the second period en route to pinning Brandon Wilkins at 165 pounds.
Daniel Ownbey compiled 12 takedowns in dismantling Clemente Narviaz (24-9 technical fall) at 141 pounds, while Reggie Allen won his 157-pound bout via the pin (3:45) as well. Blaze Shade, Brach Walker and Chris Giddens all won by major decision to close out the night, while Ridge White picked up a forfeit victory at 174 pounds.
UNCP will split up its squad this weekend to head to two different events. A part of the squad will head to Rome, Ga., on Saturday to take part in the Shorter Open, while the Black & Gold will also take part in the Wolfpack Duals in Raleigh on Sunday.
To watch the full match click HERE.
UNC Pembroke 42, Belmont Abbey 6
125: Patrick Mestrez (BAC) pinned Gabe Roberts (UNCP) F 3:52
133: Cole Murray (UNCP) dec. Markus Almeida (BAC) D 8-4
141: No. 6 Daniel Ownbey (UNCP) tech. fall Clemente Narviaz (BAC) 24-9; 6:48
149: Eric Milks (UNCP) maj. dec. Sean Webb (BAC) M 15-3
157: Reggie Allen (UNCP) pinned Jake Glunt (BAC) F 3:45
165: Faris Teia (UNCP) pinned Brandon Wilkins (BAC) F 4:57
174: Ridge White (UNCP) forfeit No Entry (BAC) For
184: Blaze Shade (UNCP) maj. dec. Marcus Dwaileebe (BAC) M 9-0
197: Brach Walker (UNCP) maj. dec. Kelly Baker (BAC) M 11-1
285: Chris Giddens (UNCP) maj. dec. Glenn Cothren (BAC) M 12-3
Starting Weight: 125
Records: Belmont Abbey 1-3; UNC Pembroke 1-0
