Wabash scored eight wins out of ten matches against Manchester University Friday night in the first wrestling dual meet of the season for the Little Giants to win 38-7.
 
Wabash earned five major decisions to go with three pins.
 
"This was a solid first outing for the team versus Manchester," Wabash head coach Brian Anderson said. "We got a little sloppy in a few matches tonight, but overall it was a good opener to build on heading into the Concordia Open next weekend in Wisconsin."
 
The fourth-ranked Little Giants opened the meet with a 12-3 victory by Chris Diaz at 125 pounds. Freshman Owen Doster kept Wabash moving with a 12-4 major decision win in his first collegiate dual meet at 133 pounds.
 
"My first match was a little nerve racking," Doster said. "Competing at the varsity level as a freshman is a big deal especially as part of a top-five nationally-ranked team. I settled in as the match progressed. I'm thankful for the opportunity and the ability to compete as a high level."
 
The Spartans rallied for a pair of wins with a major decision at 141 pounds and a three-point victory at 149 pounds. Nick Bova turned the tide back to Wabash's favor by pinning Alex Arney at the 5:28 mark of their 157-pound bout. Connor Brummett followed with a 16-4 victory for a major decision at 165 pounds. Darden Schrug scored a fall against Isaac Ray 5:49 into their 174-pound bout. Mark Maldonado earned a major decision for the Little Giants by a score of 11-3 at 184 pounds.
 
"It was an awesome opportunity to get the first match of the season anxiety out of the way," Maldonado said. "The crowd turnout made it much more exciting. I can't wait to go back in the room and improve for next weekend."
 
Riley Lefever picked up a victory for the Little Giants with a pin at 1:09 at 197 pounds against Brian Clark before Sam Hipple closed the meet with a 14-6 major decision at heavyweight for Wabash.
 
"The team looked good as a unit," senior captain Brummett. "There are definitely things we need to tighten up on as a group as we look to move on to compete at Concordia next weekend as we keep working to improve heading toward the national tournament."
 
The Little Giants will compete at the Concordia meet Saturday before hosting the Indiana Little State Tournament the following weekend.

#4 Wabash 38, Manchester 7

125 – Chris Diaz (W) maj. dec. Alan Mock, 12-3
133 – Owen Doster (W) maj. dec. Ben Cauffman, 12-4
141- Chase Wilson (M) maj. dec. Bryce Everson, 10-1
149 – JaVon Phillips (M) dec. SaVonne Bennette, 6-3
157 – Nick Bova (W) won by fall over Alex Arney, 5:28
165 – Connor Brummett (W) maj. dec. Tristan Wilson, 16-4
174 – Darden Schrug (W) won by fall over Isaac Ray, 5:49
184 – Mark Maldonado (W) maj. dec. Alex Roberts, 11-3
197 – Riley Lefever (W) won by fall over Brian Clark, 1:09
HWT – Sam Hipple (W) maj. dec. Tristan Choate, 14-6