COLLEGE PARK, MD – Seven Broncs contributed wins as the Rider University wrestling team won its regular-season finale over the University of Maryland, 22-16, Saturday evening inside the Xfinity Center. With the win, the Broncs improve to 12-3, while the Terrapins are now 2-17.
Rider claimed victories in each of the first four bouts and never trailed in the match.
Jonathan Tropea (Harrington Park, NJ/Saint Joseph (Montvale)),
Richie Koehler (Middletown, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy),
Peter Lipari (Byram Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic [Rutgers]) and
Gino Fluri (Blairstown/North Warren Regional) each won by decision in their matches to give the Broncs a strong 12-0 lead over the Terrapins. At 157, Maryland's Lucas Cordio would win by fall over
Travis Layton (Woodstown, NJ/Woodstown) to cut the Broncs' lead in half going into the intermission.
Following the intermission, Maryland claimed a major decision at 165 to close the Rider lead to two points. At 174 and 184,
Dean Sherry (Brick, NJ/Brick Township) and
George Walton (Franklin, NJ/Bound Brook) would win earn decision to rebuild an eight-point cushion. A Rider forfeit at 197 would again close the gap to two points. But
Ryan Cloud (Brookville, OH/Northmont) would claim the final match at 285 with a win by major decision and secure the win for the Broncs, 22-16.
Quotes & Notes
"Tonight was a complete team effort! When you sit two starters, you need other guys to step up and they did just that."
"It's always good to end the season with a win, especially for the seniors. Now it's time to get ready for the MAC Championships in two weeks." –
Rider Head Coach John Hangey
- Rider has won five of the last six meetings with Maryland, including a pair of wins this season, to take an 8-6 lead in the all-time series. The Broncs also took a victory at the Virginia Duals earlier this season.
- Walton and Cloud each won their 21st match of the year.
- Rider finishes the regular season with a 12-3 record.
- Rider returns to action on Saturday, March 7 at the MAC Championships, hosted by Northern Illinois. The two-day tournament begins at 1 p.m. in DeKalb, Illinois.
Rider University 12, University of Maryland 16
125:
Jonathan Tropea (RID) dec. Brandon Clay (UMD) 5-1; Rider leads, 3-0
133:
Richie Koehler (RID) dec. King Sandoval (UMD), 6-3; Rider leads, 6-0
141: #29
Peter Lipari (RID) dec. Hunter Baxter (UMD), 4-3; Rider leads, 9-0
149:
Gino Fluri (RID) dec. Peter Tedesco (UMD), 6-2; Rider leads, 12-0
157: Lucas Cordio (UMD) WBF
Travis Layton (RID), at 5:59; Rider leads, 12-6
165: Kyle Cochran (UMD) maj. dec.
Joe Casey (RID), 11-2; Rider leads, 12-10
174: #20
Dean Sherry (RID) dec. Josh Ugalde (UMD), 7-4, Rider leads, 15-10
184:
George Walton (RID) maj. dec. Phillip Spadafora (UMD), 12-5; Rider leads, 18-10
197: Rider forfeits; Rider leads, 18-16
285:
Ryan Cloud (RID) maj. dec. Parker Robinson (UMD), 12-4; Rider wins 22-16.
Rankings from NCAA Coaches' Panel
