CHAPEL HILL – No. 10 NC State wrestling followed a disheartening loss to Pitt with a convincing 20-14 win over No. 13 UNC-Chapel Hill in Carmichael Arena.
“To come in here and give [UNC] their first loss of the year, it speaks where this team’s at and what kind of character we have as a team,” head coach Pat Popolizio said.
This match was especially important because it came on the heels of a heartbreaking 18-16 loss to Pitt. NC State (15-3, 3-1 ACC) needed to build some momentum heading into the final stretch of the season and it had to start against a bitter rival. The score was 20-6 before UNC (11-6, 3-1 ACC) won the remaining two matches against backup wrestlers.
“Last time we were here, my freshman year, I lost that match and it was pretty bitter,” redshirt sophomore Nick Reenan said. “Coming back this year, I think we dominated. It’s awesome to see our fans out there—we have the best fans in the country.”
The match started off rocky with graduate Justin Oliver losing a close battle to Austin O’Connor of UNC. However, NC State ripped off five consecutive matches to quickly take back momentum and secure it in an iron grip.
Redshirt sophomore Hayden Hidlay got the ball rolling with a dominant 18-6 major decision over UNC’s Josh McClure. Redshirt sophomore Daniel Bullard secured a major decision as well when he blanked Devin Kane 11-0. Reenan, who is still dealing with a knee injury he sustained earlier in the season, was able to score the team points against No. 14 Chip Ness, 6-4.
“I think I needed that. It’s been pretty tough watching everybody else wrestle,” said Reenan. “I could’ve competed but it just wasn’t worth it. Now I’m feeling better. I think I’ve got my mental game right and I’m ready to go the rest of this season.”
Redshirt sophomore Thomas Bullard and redshirt senior Malik McDonald also scored decisions to help the Wolfpack build an imposing 17-3 lead. Freshman Colin Lawler lost a match against No. 16 Cory Daniel but was able to narrowly avoid a takedown in the closing seconds that would have resulted in a major decision. Redshirt senior Sean Fausz proceeded to clinch the match soon after with a 7-2 decision over Joe Heilmann.
“It’s what we talked about,” Popolizio said. “Both as individuals and as a team, ‘How we are going to step up after a little bit of a let-down performance against another good team that we got to compete against?’ Our guys responded well.”
The Wolfpack ends its ACC schedule with a trip to Blacksburg, Virginia to take on No. 14 Virginia Tech before heading into the ACC Tournament.
“I’m feeling pretty positive,” Reenan said. “This team is pulling it together right at the end.We’ve had our ups and downs this season but I think we’re peaking at the right time and that’s really important for us.”
