Results

GREENWOOD, S.C. (Nov. 29) – Facing the No. 1 ranked team in the country, junior Jake Nicolosi registered the lone victory for the Trojans in a 43-3 defeat at Lander on Wednesday night in Conference Carolinas action.

With the loss, the University of Mount Olive men's wrestling program drops to 2-1 overall in their final conference dual ahead of winter break. The Trojans will return to Greenwood, South Carolina, this weekend for the Carolina Clash Duals to face four non-conference opponents. Meanwhile, Lander improves 3-0 this season after finishing as the national runner-up in 2023 at the NCAA Division II National Championships.

The Bearcats established a quick 16-0 advantage following victories in the opening three matches of the night. No. 2 ranked James Joplin secured a 21-6 tech fall over junior Lens Mathurin at 125 before redshirt freshman Logan Tortual suffered a loss via pin in the first period to Kaden Kuenzi in the 133-weight class. At 141, Ishlam Peace registered a 19-3 tech fall over junior Isaiah Olive to extend the lead.

In the 149-weight class, the match was tied at 2-2 in the third period before a three-point takedown and ride time allowed Junior Downing to capture a 6-2 decision over No. 10 redshirt sophomore Dallas Wilson. Nicolosi responded at 157 with a four-point second period to battle to a 4-2 decision over Jack Tangen, as the Trojans trailed by a 19-3 margin.

Lander countered with five straight match victories to seal the win on Wednesday. The Bearcats tallied three more wins via tech fall and recorded a pin. At 174, No. 7 sophomore Calan Staub fell into an early deficit before rallying late in a 13-8 loss to No. 12 Brandon Matthews in the 174-weight class.

The Trojans return to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 29, for the four dual matches at the Carolina Clash Duals hosted by Lander in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Match Results
125: No. 2 James Joplin (Lander) over Lens Mathurin (Mount Olive) (TF 21-6)
133: Kaden Kuenzi (Lander) over Logan Tortual (Mount Olive) (Fall 1:07)
141: Ishlam Peace (Lander) over Isaiah Olive (Mount Olive) (TF 19-3)
149: Junior Downing (Lander) over No. 10 Dallas Wilson (Mount Olive) (Dec 6-2)
157: No. 12 Jake Nicolosi (Mount Olive) over Jack Tangen (Lander) (Dec 4-2)
165: No. 2 David Hunsberger (Lander) over Klint Rhude (Mount Olive) (TF 15-0)
174: No. 12 Brandon Matthews (Lander) over No. 7 Calan Staub (Mount Olive) (Dec 13-8)
184: Jack Bond (Lander) over Trent Walker (Mount Olive) (TF 16-0)
197: No. 10 Anthony Yacovetti (Lander) over Isaiah Manning (Mount Olive (Fall 3:36)
285: No. 2 Juan Edmond-Holmes (Lander) over Slade Watkins (Mount Olive) (TF 20-2)