The Princeton-Penn rivalry is intense no matter what sport is showcased, but so far this winter, the Tigers have come up short across the board. In its final match of the regular season, the wrestling squad fell to the No. 24 Quakers, 28-10.
Penn (9-3 overall, 4-1 Ivy League) jumped out to an insurmountable advantage, winning the first five matches against Princeton (5-9, 0-5) en route to a 14-match winning streak.
After freshman heavyweight Logan Lowe dropped an 8-4 decision to Matt Smith, Princeton had no chance to immediately answer back as the Tigers forfeited in the 125-lb. weight division. Sophomores Greg Redman (133-lb.) and Eric Marcotulli (141-lb.) and junior Andrew Ianuzzi (149-lb.) all dropped consecutive matches by major decision scores to place Princeton in an early 21-0 hole. The Quakers easily achieved the wins with a series of takedowns to rack up the points.
In the 157-lb. weight class, freshman Alex Enriquez posted the Tigers' first points of the day. Enriquez recorded a 7-4 victory over Brock Wittmeyer, but the Quakers quickly regained any momentum Princeton had garnered from Enriquez' win with a victory in the next match.
Senior Charlie Wiggins and Rich Ferguson battled at 165-lbs., trading points. Though Wiggins held a 3-2 advantage late into the third period, he was penalized a point with 1:27 remaining, which tied the score at three. After a scoreless first overtime period, Ferguson posted a takedown just 15 seconds into the second to claim the 5-3 win.
Junior Matt DeNichilo (174-lb.) recorded more points, 10, than any of his teammates had managed up to that point, but he still fell by a major decision score after giving up 18 points to Penn's Dustin Wiles. With the loss, the Tigers fell behind by a 28-3 margin.
Too little, too late.
Despite the inevitable team loss, Princeton's last two wrestlers refused to concede individual defeat, winning both of their matches. Senior Jack Fleming (184-lb.) recorded a close 6-3 decision over Dan Gallagher. Junior Jake Butler followed with a 10-0 major decision victory over Marcus Schontube to stretch his personal winning streak to six in a row.
As the Tigers approach the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships, which will take place at Navy in March, a winless Ivy League record does not bode well for a high team placement. Still, Princeton grapplers like Butler have enjoyed considerable success this year and should compete strongly at the tournament as well.
Read More
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals after 19–18 loss to No. 5 Syracuse
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
With the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.