Jan. 3, 2009

Contact: Ryan Mulford

Cleveland, Ohio - In their first action of the new year, the Vikings came out on the short end of a 10-32 decision Saturday (1/3) night in the Woodling Gym. The Vikings were able to score victories from Rashard Goff, Lawrence Cavello and JT Miller.

"We are entering a tough part of the season," head coach Ben Stehura said. "We are focusing on getting healthy while we prepare for our EWL schedule coming up later in the month."

The meet started at 141 pounds between the Vikings Lawrence Cavello and Cole Zempel of Northern Iowa. Cavello jumped out to an early lead scoring a double leg takedown and three back points getting out to a 5-0 lead after the first period. In the second period, he continued his momentum with his second takedown of the contest stretching his lead to seven points. In the final period, Cavello was able to maintain his intensity earning three extra riding points en rout to an 8-0 victory.

Rob Michaels had a high action match-up against the number two-ranked 165 pounder Moza Fay of UNI. Michaels kept the score close after the first period trailing by only two points (4-6). Throughout the match Michaels continued to pick away at the lead narrowing the gap to four points (8-12) midway through the second period before being pinned at 4:55.

With UNI pulling away in the team score (4-12), JT Miller kept the Vikings in the match. After battling for position most of the period, Miller scored three near fall points at the end of the first period, unable to finish the pin before time ran out. Miller was able to hold a strong defensive position keeping a 7-6 lead after two periods. As the third period drew on, Miller kept one step ahead of Hazen earning an 8-7 decision, narrowing the UNI lead to five points at 7-12.

Rashard Goff once again took care of business getting his 21st victory of the young season. After a low scoring contest (1-1) late in the third period with both men jockeying for position, Goff was able to score an exciting last second takedown securing a 4-1 decision.

"The matches that we contested, we fought hard," Stehura said. "Our line-up is getting better with experience and we are pleased at the progression that they have made."

The Vikings will be back in action on Sunday, January 11, as they travel to Ypsilanti, Michigan to take on Eastern Michigan. Action is set to begin at 3:00 p.m.

141: Lawrence Cavello (CSU) 8-0 Maj. Dec Cole Zempel (UNI); 4-0 CSU

149: Charlie Ettelson (UNI) 7-1 Antonio Nicholson (CSU); 4-3 CSU

157: Trevor Kittleson (UNI) 10- 5 Dec Corey Carlo (CSU); 4-6 UNI

165: Moza Fay (UNI) Fall 4:55 Rob Michaels (CSU); 4-12 UNI

174: JT Miller (CSU) 8-7 Dec. Scott Hazen (UNI); 7-12 UNI

184: Alex Dolly (UNI) 22-6 Tech Fall 5 Derek Cummins (CSU); 7-23 UNI

197: Andrew Anderson (UNI) wins by forfeit

HWT: Rashard Goff (CSU) 4-1 Dec. Christian Brantley (UNI); 10-23 UNI

125: Caleb Flores (UNI) 2-1 Dec Jordan Keller (CSU); 10-32 UNI

133: Josh Baldridge (UNI) wins by forfeit