The Oklahoma State wrestling team, ranked third nationally, secured a 19-12 victory over No. 6 Virginia Tech on Sunday at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. The Cowboys won six out of ten matches, with Sergio Vega earning the only bonus-point win for his team.
Oklahoma State improved its season record to 14-1 and extended its winning streak to eleven duals. Virginia Tech’s record fell to 10-3 after the loss.
A key match featured freshman Jax Forrest (133 pounds), ranked tenth, facing off against previously unbeaten Aaron Seidel of Virginia Tech in a rematch of last year’s PIAA State Championship. After falling behind early, Forrest rallied to win 10-9 and maintain an undefeated collegiate record. “It was a crazy match,” Forrest said. “I had to fight through some adversity with the crowd and being down early. I knew I needed a rally, and that’s what I did. Scored some points, got a takedown and some back points, and then rode him out. It was a crazy match, but it all worked out… He’s having a very good year, so I knew I had to find a way to dig deep and come out on top.”
With Oklahoma State leading 16-12 before the final bout, heavyweight Konner Doucet secured the team victory by defeating Jimmy Mullen 6-1. Doucet now holds a 13-2 season record.
Sergio Vega (141 pounds) achieved an 11-2 major decision over Tom Crook for his eighth ranked win this season, tying teammate Dee Lockett for most on the team. Lockett (165 pounds) continued his strong performance with an 8-2 win over Mac Church; together, Lockett and Vega remain undefeated this season with a combined record of 27-0.
Freshman Landon Robideau (157 pounds) also contributed by defeating Ethen Miller for his sixth consecutive win and improving his season record to 13-1.
Alex Facundo (174 pounds) clinched his match with a late takedown against Sergio DeSiante for his seventh ranked win this year. After starting the season slowly at 1-3, Facundo has now won thirteen of his last fourteen matches.
Other matches saw Troy Spratley lose in rideouts to Eddie Ventresca at 125 pounds; Cody Merrill (197), Beau Hickman (149), and Trevor Dopps (184) were also defeated in close contests.
The event drew an attendance of 6,174 spectators. Oklahoma State will next face No. 8 Iowa at home on February 22 in a rematch from the National Duals Invitational semifinals.
Breakdown of results:
125: Eddie Ventresca (VT) def. Troy Spratley (OSU), 2-1 TB-2
133: Jax Forrest (OSU) def. Aaron Seidel (VT), 10-9
141: Sergio Vega (OSU) major dec. Tom Crook (VT), 11-2
149: Drew Gorman (VT) def. Beau Hickman (OSU), 4-1 SV
157: Landon Robideau (OSU) def. Ethen Miller (VT), 3-2
165: LaDarion Lockett (OSU) def. Mac Church (VT), 8-2
174: Alex Facundo (OSU) def. Sergio DeSiante (VT), 4-1
184: Jaden Bullock (VT) def. Trevor Dopps (OSU), 2-0
197: Sonny Sasso (VT) def. Cody Merrill (OSU), 2-1
HWT: Konner Doucet (OSU) def. Jimmy Mullen (VT), 6-1