No. 10 Virginia Tech began its home wrestling season with a 19-12 win over Bucknell at Cassell Coliseum on Friday night. The Hokies secured six victories in the dual, including two upsets by Tom Crook and Sergio Desiante.
Tom Crook, ranked No. 20, returned to competition after a redshirt year and defeated No. 14 Dylan Chappell in an 8-6 decision. Crook overcame an early deficit, trading points throughout the match before scoring the decisive takedown in the final minute.
Sergio Desiante, a transfer making his debut at Cassell Coliseum, earned a 4-2 victory over No. 20 Myles Takats. Desiante scored an early takedown and maintained his lead through strong defense.
The Hokies started strong by winning their first four bouts. Victories came from Eddie Ventresca (No. 4), Dillon Campbell (No. 18), Tom Crook (No. 20), and Noah Nininger. Five wrestlers—Campbell, Nininger, Frank Dibella, Desiante, and Jaden Bullock—made their debuts at Cassell Coliseum.
Dillon Campbell extended his streak of bonus point wins with a major decision over Ty Kapusta, marking his fifth consecutive bonus point victory as a redshirt freshman.
Virginia Tech will compete next at the inaugural National Duals in Tulsa, Oklahoma next weekend.
The final results were as follows: Eddie Ventresca won by decision over Chris Nucifora (5-1); Dillon Campbell achieved a major decision against Ty Kapusta (16-2); Tom Crook defeated Dylan Chappell (8-6); Noah Nininger beat Braden Bower (4-1); Frank Dibella lost to Cade Wirnsberger (4-6); Mac Church lost to Noah Mulvaney (9-12 SV); Sergio Desiante beat Myles Takats (4-2); Jaden Bullock lost to Tyler Bienus (2-4); Sonny Sasso won against Mikey Bartush (15-8); Jimmy Mullen lost to Lucas Lawler (2-3).
“Crook gave up the first takedown but would trade points back and forth right until the final buzzer,” according to the release. “The redshirt junior secured the winning takedown in the final minute with a slick reattack to bring Cassell to its feet and push the Hokies’ team score lead.”
“Desiante would score the single takedown of the bout in the first and wouldn’t look back, securing an escape in the third and displaying gritty defense to secure the upset decision win, 4-2,” stated Virginia Tech Wrestling.