Thrilling Backyard Brawl: No. 18 Pitt Triumphs Over No. 22 West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The No. 22 West Virginia University wrestling squad was defeated by No. 18 Pitt, 25-17, on Sunday at the WVU Coliseum.

 

West Virginia (7-3, 1-2 Big 12) faced its second successive ranked rival after losing to No. 13 Iowa State on January 8.

 

The match drew an attendance of 2,220, which represents the fifth-largest gathering in program history and the highest turnout since 1,884 spectators attended West Virginia’s match against No. 5 Oklahoma State on January 14, 2024.

 

The Mountaineers began the contest strong, securing victories in the initial three matches to surge to an 11-0 advantage. Senior Jett Strickenberger achieved his second consecutive ranked triumph, overcoming Pitt’s No. 19 Nick Babin by major decision, 9-0, in the 125-pound match.

 

Freshman Mason Kernan recorded an impressive victory in the 133-pound match, defeating Matt Marlow by major decision, 12-1.

 

Redshirt junior No. 32 Jordan Titus concluded his losing streak by edging Anthony Santaniello by decision in the 141-pound match.

 

However, back-to-back defeats for the Mountaineers allowed Pitt to score. As they approached the 165-pound match, WVU maintained an 11-9 advantage.

 

Fifth-year No. 3 Peyton Hall managed to pin Jared Keslar to achieve his 20^th victory of the season. This victory also positions Hall tied for second all-time in WVU history with 120 career wins.

 

Unfortunately, the Mountaineers dropped the subsequent four matches, resulting in a Pitt victory. To cap off the day, fifth-year Michael Wolfgram was pinned by No. 15 Dayton Pitzer in the 285-pound matchup.

 

Complete Results

125: Jett Strickenberger (WVU) major dec. No. 19 Nick Babin (PITT), 9-0

133: Mason Kernan (WVU) major dec. Matt Marlow (PITT), 12-1

141: No. 32 Jordan Titus (WVU) dec. Anthony Santaniello (PITT), 3-1

149: Kade Brown (PITT) major dec. Sam Hillegas (WVU), 21-11

157: No. 27 Dylan Evans (PITT) tech. fall over Sasha Gavronsky (WVU), 21-6

165: No. 3 Peyton Hall (WVU) won by fall over Jared Keslar (PITT) [T – 2:46]

174: No. 18 Luca Augustine (PITT) dec. No. 29 Brody Conley (WVU), 4-2

184: No. 12 Reece Heller (PITT) dec. No. 23 Dennis Robin (WVU), 11-4

197: No. 14 Mac Stout (PITT) major dec. Ian Bush (WVU), 13-3

HWT: No. 15 Dayton Pitzer (PITT) won by fall over Michael Wolfgram (WVU) [T – 5:33]

West Virginia will compete against Oklahoma on the road in Norman, Oklahoma, on Friday, January 17. The match is set to commence at 7 p.m.

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For additional details about the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWrestling on X, Instagram and Facebook.