Posted: Feb 10, 2023

Strong Performances Not Enough to Overcome Forfeits in Final Dual of Regular Season

Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay wrestling team took on the Tiffin University Dragons in the final dual event of the season on Friday, Feb. 10 in Niekamp Arena inside the Croy Physical Education Center. Injuries on both sides cause forfeitures on Friday evening and in the end, it was Tiffin who came away with a 28-21 victory, although 12 points were earned due to a pair of Findlay forfeits while the Dragons forfeited just one.

In the opener, junior Graham Shore went toe-to-toe with the tenth-ranked wrestler in the country at 125 pounds, losing a tight 2-1 decision.

After forfeits by both Tiffin and Findlay at 133 and 141, respectively, junior Mason Kleinberg was defeated by fall.

A loss at 157 then put the Dragons ahead 18-6 before sophomore Gary Nilson energized the large crowd with an impressive first-round pin of Tiffin's Samuel Lafosa III. That brought the Roughnecks closer at 18-12.

After a major decision in favor of Tiffin, senior Mark Trifelos put the clamps down on Iran Love of Tiffin, dominating his opponent to the tune of a 7-0 victory. Immediately following, junior Jacob Kowalski record a first-round pin of his own, needing just 2:43 to defeat Jacob Noon.

That final pin pulled Findlay to within one point at 22-21, but with a forfeit at heavyweight, the final score went in favor of Tiffin.

Findlay not turns is efforts to the postseason. The NCAA DII Super Region 3 Tournament will be held on Feb. 25 in Tiffin, Ohio.

TU 28 – UF 22

125 – #10 Brandon Mendoza (TU) def. Graham Shore (UF) 2-1 Dec. 3-0 TU

133 – Gavin Ritter (UF) def. NA (TU) Forfeit 3-6 UF

141 – Bryson Cole (TU) def. NA (UF) Forfeit 9-6 TU

149 – Zack Donathan (TU) def. Mason Kleinberg (UF) Fall 3:43 15-6 TU

157 – Dylan Manson (TU) def. Logan Sanom (UF) 7-4 Dec. 18-6 TU

165 – Gary Nilson (UF) def. Samuel Lafosa III (TU) Fall 2:02 18-12 TU

174 – Connor Twigg (TU) def. Kenny Snyder (UF) 11-6 Maj. 22-12 TU

184 – Mark Trifelos (UF) def. Iran Love (TU) 7-0 Dec. 22-15 TU

197 – Jacob Kowalski (UF) def. Jacob Noon (TU) Fall 2:43 22-21 TU