Feb. 17, 2002

Washington, D.C.-The Old Dominion wrestling team won two dual matches this afternoon, 30-15 over American University and 20-15 over Buffalo. The Monarchs improve to 3-9 overall and have now won three of their last four duals.

Against American, the Monarchs jumped out to a 19-6 lead by winning five of the first six bouts. Jesse Pearce (Norfolk, VA) opened the contest with a 6-2 decision over Aviv Bercovicz and Dave Kaplan (Woodbridge, VA) posted a 18-5 major decision over Eric Fantegrossi.

The Eagles crept back into the match briefly with a win at 125, but senior Paul Jimenez (Norfolk, VA) made sure there would be no comeback with a technical fall victory over Matthew Pelligrino.

The Monarchs found themselves in a slightly tougher match against Buffalo, as the teams split the first six matches. Pearce, Jeff Rusak (Reading, PA) and Derrell Lorthridge (Wilmington, DE) each won their bout for a slim 11-9 lead with four weight classes yet to be wrestled.

Jimenez and Blake Romano (Boiling Springs, PA) ensured another Monarch win with back-to-back victories at 133 and 141. Jimenez pinned his opponent in just 50 seconds, and Romano picked up a decision to provide the winning points.

Nationally-ranked senior Jeff Rusak (#4 InterMat/#4AWN) finished the day with two wins at 184, moving his record to 27-0 with 14 pins. His career record is now 127-17.

The Monarchs will close out their season with three home matches, starting with Delaware State on February 21.

ODU 30, AU 15
157-Jesse Pearce (ODU) dec. Aviv Bercovicz, 6-2
165-David Kaplan (ODU) major dec. Eric Fantegrossi, 18-5
174-Aaron Baker (AU) WBF John Adams, 4:03
184-Jeff Rusak (ODU) WBF Adam Montgomery, 1:42
197-Greg Gill (ODU) dec. Kyle Mason, 5-3 OT
285-Derrell Lorthridge (ODU) dec. Jared Hyman, 4-3
125-Willie Harris (AU) dec. John Starkes, 2-2 rideout
133-Paul Jimenez (ODU) TF Matthew Pelligrino, 23-8
141-Blake Romano (ODU) wins by forfeit
149-Marc Hoffer (AU) WBF Brad Alford, 6:38









ODU 20, Buffalo 15
157-Pearce (ODU) major dec. Edwards, 11-3
165-Guarino (UB) dec. Kaplan, 2-1
174-Cooper (UB) dec. Adams, 7-4
184-Rusak (ODU) dec. Bontempo (UB), 4-2
197-Cerminara (UB) dec. Krepps, 9-4
285-Lorthridge (ODU) major dec. Cooper (UB), 16-4
125-Voorhees (UB) dec. Starkes, 2-1
133-Jimenez (ODU) WBF Sebaaly, 0:50
141-Romano (ODU) dec. Bentley, 10-7
149-Jacoutot (UB) dec. Casey Todd, 10-4