The New York University wrestling team hosted Hunter College, New Jersey City University (NJCU) and the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) for the Metropolitan Duals on Saturday, November 16, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan, NY.

In an exciting day of wrestling, the #15-ranked Violets won their first two matches, but were edged by USMMA in the finale.

NYU was dominant in the first two matches, defeating Hunter 50-3 and then NJCU 43-9.

Then, despite getting out to an 11-0 lead over USMMA, the Violets could not hold on. The score was tied 27-27 after the 10 bouts were completed, but the Mariners were awarded the victory (and an extra point) on "Criteria B", which takes into account which team has recorded the most falls. USMMA's four tilted the decision in their direction.      

Several Violets produced outstanding individual performances.

Three-time All-American Cooper Pontelandolfo won all three of his bouts, securing one fall and two technical falls. Harrison Gordon also went 3-0 in the same manner, while Nicky Bell's three wins were produced by a fall, technical fall, and major decision.

Hassan Khan (two falls), Anthony DeRosa (fall, forfeit) and Trent Furman (fall, forfeit) each went 2-0. Also recording two victories were Luke DuPont (two falls) and Tyler Kadish (fall, major decision).     

Prior to the final match, both Pontelandolfo (110-18) and Furman (102-31) were celebrated for having recently earned their 100th career victories.

The Violets will be back in action next Saturday, November 23, when they travel to Oneonta, NY, to compete in the New York Collegiate State Championships. Competition is set to begin at 9:00am.