RV UNC Drops Big 12 Opener Against No. 21 WVU

Sunday, December 10

Greeley, Colo.

1 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

West Virginia

12/10/2023 5:10:00 PM | Wrestling

Vincent Zerban Remains Undefeated

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado (4-1, 0-1 Big 12), receiving votes in the latest dual rankings fell to No. 21 West Virginia at Bank of Colorado Arena Sunday.

No. 10 Vincent Zerban remained unbeaten on the season in 12 bouts, with a major decision victory over No. 28 Caleb Dowling. Zerban worked a hard ride for the final 1:03 of the second period after the initial takedown of the match. In the final stanza, he collected five more points, escaping from the down position eight seconds into the frame and earning another takedown. He added the riding time point and secured his fourth major victory of the season. He earned bonus points for the 10th time this season.

No. 32 Dominick Serrano accounted for the Bears' first points of the meet, with a first-period tech fall 19-4. He accrued five takedowns in the opening period, allowing his opponent an escape point on four occasions. On his third takedown of the bout, Serrano added four points for a near fall. His fifth takedown of the period secured the triumph with eight seconds left in the opening round. Serrano improved to 12-1 on the campaign, with eight victories earning bonus points, including five by tech fall.

FROM THE COACH
"I thought the score was not indicative of how we wrestled," head coach Troy Nickerson said. "We were incredibly young tonight, with four freshmen and six sophomores in the lineup. Overall, I am happy with where we are and know we will get better.''

RV UNC 9, NO. 21 WVU 31
December 10, 2023 | Greeley, Colo. | Bank of Colorado Arena

125: No. 25 Jett Strickenberger (WVU) dec. No. 6 Stevo Poulin (UNC) | Dec 11-6                          0-3
133: No. 32 Dominick Serrano (UNCO) tech fall Davin Rhoads (WVU) 19-4 (TF; 2:52)                   5-3
141: No. 22 Jordan Titus (WVU) maj. dec. Armando Garcia (UNCO) | 13-2                                     5-7
149: No. 28 Ty Watters (WVU) pinfall Benji Alanis (UNCO) | (Fall 2:42)                                         5-13
157: No. 10 Vincent Zerban (UNCO) maj. dec. No. 28 Caleb Dowling (WVU) | 8-0                       9-13
165: No. 12 Peyton Hall (WVU) tech fall Derek Matthews (UNCO) | 19-0 (TF; 3:55)                     9-18
174: No. 29 Brody Conley (WVU) dec. Aydin Rix-McElhinney (UNCO) | 11-4                               9-21
184: No. 24 Dennis Robin (WVU) dec. Andrew Donahue (UNCO) | 6-5                                        9-24
197: No. 28 Austin Cooley (WVU) dec. Noah Pettigrew (UNCO) | 8-2                                          9-27
285: No. 23 Michael Wolfgram (WVU) maj. dec. Xavier Doolin (UNCO) | 10-2                             9-31

UP NEXT
UNC returns to The Bank at noon for the UNC Quad Duals Sunday, Dec. 17. To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.