The No. 8 NC State wrestling team flexed its muscles with a hard fought road win over No. 23 Virginia Friday night.

The Wolfpack (14-2, 2-0 ACC) continued its dominant campaign as it defeated the Cavaliers (11-8, 0-2 ACC) 23-17. NC State has now won seven straight ACC duals dating back to last year.       

The Cavaliers landed the first blow. At 125 pounds No. 5 Jack Mueller recorded a 16-1 technical fall against redshirt freshman Zurich Storm, putting the Wolfpack in a 5-0 hole.  

The Pack answered back, winning its next four bouts, two earning bonus points. No. 12 redshirt senior Sean Fausz scored a 6-0 win over Louie Hayes. At 141 pounds, redshirt senior Jamel Morris continued his explosive season. With a takedown four seconds into the first period, Morris cruised to a 10-3 win over Sam Krivus.

Eighth-ranked graduate Justin Oliver controlled Michael Murphy scoring a 13-3 major decision. In the 157 pound bout, No. 4 redshirt sophomore Hayden Hidlay contributed to the positive momentum. With a 15-6 major decision and the second straight bonus point win, Hidlay put the Pack up 14-5.  

At 174 pounds, No. 20 redshirt sophomore Daniel Bullard took the mat to face Robby Patrick. Bullard held onto a 5-4 lead going into the third period. Riding Patrick for most of the third, Bullard escaped with a 6-4 win.

The marquee matchup of the night came at the 197-pound bout. No. 20 redshirt senior Malik McDonald took on No. 8 Jay Aiello. McDonald gave up a pair of takedowns in the first period along with an escape and takedown in the second. Aiello took control in the third period scoring a pin against McDonald.

NC State will be back in action in Reynolds Coliseum to take on No. 13 Pittsburgh Feb. 10.