Terps Top Mason Injury Bug Bites Mason Wrestling

The Maryland Terrapins (16-4), ranked 11th in the nation, defeated the George Mason Patriots (3-8) by a final score of 35-6. Sophomore Mendbagana Tovuujav extended his amazing winning streak to nine matches. However, these were the only points scored by the Patriots all night.

The first two matches saw quick covers by the Maryland wrestlers, sophomore Pat Strizki and senior Steve Bell. Sophomore Denny Herndon came off a leg injury from his freshman season and is now beginning to perform a bit better on the leg.

“Steve Bell is one of the best kids in the country, an All-American. Brian [Wright] did a good job for us, he just needs to be a little more focused and ready to go,” said Coach Mark Weader.

Patriot freshman Ty Knepp was on the losing end of his match, but he played two weight classes out of his normal position. Knepp usually plays in the 149 class, but lost this match in the 165 class. “Ty has bumped up two weight classes, he is filling in for [injured] Frankie McLaughlin, one of our best guys,” said Weader on how Knepp has filled in.

Tovuujav’s match gave the Patriots the only points on the board, winning six points by a fall of Maryland sophomore Owen Smith in 4:30. This was his 25th win on the season and ninth win by fall. Tovuujav, ranked 22nd in the nation by WrestlingReport.com, won consecutive Wrestler of the Week honors from the Colonial Athletic Association.

In another match, Tovuujav upset the 10th-ranked wrestler in the country, Missouri sophomore Dorian Henderson. “He’s one of the top in the country. He’s intense and has wrestled well,” said Weader of Tovuujav’s success this year.

The injury bug took its final toll on the Patriots when, because of injuries, they could not send anyone to the matt in the 197-pound weight class. The Patriots hope to turn their season around when they travel to Charlottesville to take on the 19th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers on Feb. 6.