FAIRFAX, VA – The Rider wrestling team remained perfect in Mid-American Conference action, improving to 4-0 in conference play and extending its winning streak to six straight with a dominant 30-13 road victory over George Mason on Friday night.

#15 Tyler Klinsky set the tone at 125 pounds, continuing his impressive run with a decision over Benn Monn. After a scoreless opening period, Klinsky broke through with an escape and a textbook dump takedown to take a 4-1 lead after two. Monn added an escape in the third, but Klinsky's defense held firm to secure the 4-2 win and give the Broncs an early 3-0 advantage. The victory moved Klinsky to 13-0 in duals and extended his winning streak to nine.

At 133 pounds, Will Betancourt followed with a strong performance against Anthony Lucchiani. Betancourt struck late in the first period after a series of attacks to open a 3-0 lead. Betancourt then added two more takedowns in the second to widen the margin to 9-2. A stalling point and riding time sealed an 11-2 major decision, pushing Rider's lead to 7-0.

#19 Elijah Griffin put on a scoring clinic at 141 pounds versus Tate Hisey. Griffin opened the match with a quick high-crotch takedown and transitioned into a cross-wrist tilt for early points. He continued to apply pressure, earning a 17-2 technical fall in the second period to extend the Broncs' lead to 12-0.

Dylan Layton added to the momentum at 149 pounds with a fall over Anthony Basile, increasing Rider's advantage to 18-0. 

George Mason responded with wins from 157 through 174 pounds, trimming the Broncs' lead to 18-13 with three bouts remaining.

JP Hangey got the knod at 184 pounds against Thomas Stofka. Hangey scored a first-period takedown to lead 3-0, then added an escape and another takedown in the second to go up 7-0. He extended the lead coming out on top of a scramble in the third and secured an 11-2 major decision with riding time to push Rider ahead, 22-13.

At 197 pounds, #20 Brock Zurawski delivered a dominant 20-5 technical fall, setting the stage for heavyweight Hogan Swenski, who closed the night with a 6-1 decision at 285 to seal the Broncs' 30-13 victory.
 
Quotes and Notes
"I was happy with our effort tonight, I thought we controlled the tempo and pushed the pace.   We let some matches slip away which we will have to correct before the MAC's.  We are working on being more consistent at this point in the season, it's critical for success when March rolls around."- Rider Head Coach John Hangey

Match Results
Rider 30, George Mason 13
125: #15 Tyler Klinsky (Rider) over Ben Monn (George Mason) (Dec 4-2)
133: Will Betancourt (Rider) over Anthony Lucchiani (George Mason) (MD 11-2)
141: #19Elijah Griffin (Rider) over Tate Hisey (George Mason) (TF 17-2 4:29)
149: Dylan Layton (Rider) over Jackson Palzet (George Mason) (Fall 2:16)
157: #17 DJ McGee (George Mason) over Gianni Maldonado (Rider) (MD 10-2)
165: Drew Dickson (George Mason) over Brendon Abdon (Rider) (Fall 5:44)
174: #28 Logan Messer (George Mason) over #33 Enrique Munguia (Rider) (Dec 4-1)
184: JP Hangey (Rider) over Thomas Stofka (George Mason) (MD 11-1)
197: #20 Brock Zurawski (Rider) over Jack Kelly (George Mason) (TF 20-5 5:33)
285: Hogan Swenski (Rider) over Herbert Billups (George Mason) (Dec 6-1)

Up Next
The Broncs have a quick turn around when they return home on Saturday, Jan. 31 to end the month with No. 16 Rutgers in Alumni Gym. 
First whistle is set for 7 p.m.