The Wabash College wrestling team improved its dual record to 2-0 after scoring a 32-7 win over Adrian College at Bellmont Middle School Wednesday night.
 
"I thought the team looked a little sluggish tonight, but the important thing is they got the job done and that's all that matters," said Little Giant head coach Brian Anderson. "We definitely got off to some slow starts in our matches, but the guys pulled through.  We have a lot to work on before this weekend, so we will get after it tomorrow before we head up to Concordia."
 
Chris Diaz opened the night at 125 pounds with a tech fall to start off the meet for the Little Giants.
 
The 133-pound match was the bout of the night. After trailing for much of the contest, AJ Belden scored two third-period takedowns, the second coming on the edge of the mat with a slick over-under throw to take his opponent to his back to earn near-fall points as time expired for a 9-4 win.
 
"The coaches have been pushing me to keep pressure on guys for a whole seven minutes, and, tonight, it paid off at the end as I got the throw and nearly a fall right at the end to come away with the victory," Belden said of his win.
 
Michael Venezia scored early and often in the 141-pound bout, eventually coming away with a major decision. Tim Locksmith followed at 149 pound with a defensive counter into a throw for six points before cruising to a 13-7 win.  At 157, Nick Bova scored last-second near-fall points with a tilt to win by a technical fall.
 
Connor Brummett dropped a tough overtime match in the 165-pound bout before Ethan Farmer scored a win by decision at 174 pounds. Two-time defending national champion Riley Lefever scored a period tech fall in his 184-pound bout.    
 
Brett Thumm dropped a major decision at 197 pounds before Jake Barclay capped off the victory with an 8-0 major decision at heavyweight.
 
Wabash travels to Wisconsin Saturday to compete in the Concordia Tournament.
 
Wabash 32  Adrian 7
 
125: Chris Diaz (W) defeated Alex Baysinger (A) TF 15-0
133: A.J. Belden (W) defeated Joe Dombrowski (A) 9-4
141: Michael Venezia (W) defeated Trenton Roesly (A) MD
149: Tim Locksmith (W) defeated Daniel Shear (A) 13-7
157: Nick Bova (W) defeated James Pace (A) by Tech Fall
165: Don Mandell (A) defeated Connor Brummett (W) D
174: Ethan Farmer (W) defeated Tristen Nevadomski (A) 4-1
184: Riley Lefever (W) defeated James Davis by Tech Fall
197: Angus Arthur (A) defeated Brett Thumm (W) Major Decision
HWT: Jake Barclay (W) defeated Alex Bata (A) MD 8-0