Providence, R.I.-Senior 149 lbs. Mike Trasso (Lyndhurst, NJ), who was ranked No. 2 in New England, knocked off top-ranked senior Mike Willey (Tewksbury, MA), 4-3, as the Rhode Island College wrestling team defeated Plymouth State, 32-6, in New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) action held at The Murray Center.
With the Anchormen already assured of the victory and up, 29-3, Trasso and Willey took to the mat in the evening’s most anticipated bout. Willey, ranked ninth-nationally as well, worked a takedown in the first period to build a 2-0 lead. It was only the fourth time this season that Trasso has been taken to the mat. Trasso was able to gain an escape to cut his deficit to one point as the first stanza came to an end.
Trasso chose bottom to begin the second period and quickly scored an escape to even the bout. The two grapplers headed to the third and decisive period knotted up 2-2. With Willey on bottom, Trasso worked a two-point near-fall to take the lead and held on for the victory after a late escape.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS: Plymouth State 6, Rhode Island College 32
165 lbs. Caleb Crump (RIC) defeated James Matlack (PSU), 9-3
174 lbs. Paul Cafone (RIC) def. Dan Curley (PSU), 9-8
184 lbs. Rob Phillips (PSU) def. Adam Lynch (RIC), 6-0
197 lbs. Kyle Humphries (RIC) def. Zac Giavonetti (PSU), 11-6
285 lbs. Brandon Regnault (RIC) pinned Adam Reed (PSU) at 2:53
125 lbs. Patrick Healy (RIC) Ryan Burgess (PSU), 16-7
133 lbs. Mike Sugermeyer (RIC) def. Alex Gerhold (PSU), 10-1
141 lbs. Shawn Giblin (RIC) won by forfeit
149 lbs. Mike Trasso (RIC) def. Mike Willey (PSU), 4-3
157 lbs. Brandon Conrad (PSU) def. Kevin Barrucci (RIC), 2-1