Wrestling Loses Tight Match At Penn State

Feb. 15, 2008

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Michigan State wrestling (3-11, 0-7) suffered a close loss Friday night at No. 10 Penn State (12-5, 4-3) while making its Big Ten Network dual match premier in PSU's Rec Hall; the Nittany Lions picked up the 26-13 win. Franklin Gomez tallied his eighth major decision of the year with his 10th consecutive win, while Joel Trombly halted a four-dual skid with a win at 125 pounds. Rex Kendle tallied six additional points with an injury default in the opening bout at 165 pounds.

Kendle's six-point win by Dave Rella's injury default gave the Spartans a 6-0 advantage to start off the dual, but Penn State tied the score and took the lead with wins in the next four weight classes. But Trombly inched MSU closer with a 7-1 decision over Eric Caschera at 125 pounds.

Trombly took control of the bout early, scoring the only points of the first period with a takedown, and held onto the lead throughout the remaining five minutes. Penn State chose to start the second period in neutral, and Trombly took advantage with another takedown, to extend his margin to 4-0. Choosing down for the final block, Trombly went ahead 6-0 with a reversal, but Caschera escaped to earn his only point of the night. With valuable riding time, Trombly closed out the victory 7-1, and cut the Nittany Lions lead to 13-9.

Gomez took the mat next and tied the overall match at 13-13 with a 13-5 major decision victory over Tim Haas. Gomez, like Trombly, struck first, earning four points on two takedowns, while Haas managed only two points on as many escapes. Michigan State started down in the second period, where Gomez quickly turned Hass over for a reversal and a 6-2 advantage. Haas escaped again but only to be put on his back by another MSU takedown as Gomez led 8-3 at the end of five minutes. Penn State chose to start the third period in the defensive down position, allowing Haas to tally an escape point, but Gomez quickly took control with two more takedowns and the extra riding-time point to clinch the bout and even the overall score.

At the deadlock, Michigan State suffered an medical set back, having to forfeit the 141 bout after failing the required skin check. The Spartans couldn't regain ground while Penn State finished the match with two more victories to clinch the overall contest.

The Spartans will wrap up their home schedule with Senior Night on Feb. 22 when Eastern Michigan comes to Jenison Field House at 7 p.m. Live webstreaming of the ceremony honoring MSU's senior class as well as dual action is available by visiting www.msuwrestling.com.