Maryland wrestling lost its last dual of the season, 18-16, against Columbia. The Terps end the regular season with a 10-10 record, its best finish since the 2012-2013 season.
Maryland looked to end the last weekend of the regular season on a positive note after struggling during conference play. The Terps accomplished the first test of the weekend, beating Binghamton on Friday. The only objective left was to beat Columbia.
No. 15 Braxton Brown struggled to get going in the first bout of the afternoon. Brown and his opponent, No. 31 Nick Babin, were tied 2-2 going into the second period. Babin ended the second period ahead by one and his lead only grew, beating Brown 8-5.
Columbia tied the team score in the 141 bout.
Kal Miller couldn’t land any of his attacks and No. 22 Mat Kazimir landed a couple, beating Miller 6-0. The win tied the team score at 6-6.
No. 18 Ethen Miller was locked in a close contest against Danny Fongaro. Fongaro led in the third period 1-0 with riding time secured. Miller, with time winding down, made one last attempt to score. Miller was able to earn a reversal with less than ten seconds on the clock forcing sudden victory.
In sudden victory Miller struck quickly, landing his attack and scoring a takedown, putting the Terps back on top.
Michael North couldn’t add to the Maryland lead in his bout, losing to No. 22 Cesar Alvan. Alvan scored seven points in the first period of the bout compiling a takedown, four near fall points, and an escape, all of which proved to be too difficult for North to overcome.
The 165 bout didn’t prove better for Maryland. John Martin Best could only muster four escape points in the bout, losing to No. 15 Josh Ogunsanya.
Dom Solis came close to a win in the 174 bout, but he just couldn’t close it out. Solis trailed his opponent, No. 30 Lenox Wolak, 2-1 heading into the third period. Wolak escaped to start the third period. Solis countered with a takedown tying the bout. Wolak sprang out of the arms of Solis, scoring the winning escape.
Columbia won its fourth bout in a row after Aaron Ayzerov beat Kevin Makosy, 7-0. The win gave the Lions a 18-9 lead over the Terps.
No. 13 Jaxon Smith dipped into the Columbia lead, winning his bout by major decision. Smith scored three takedowns in the third period to keep the Terps within striking distance of a dual meet win.
The dual came down to the heavyweight bout between No. 24 Jaron Smith and Billy McChesney. Smith needed to win by pin to propel Maryland to its eleventh dual victory of the season.
Smith scored first with a takedown in the first period. McChesney escaped and scored a takedown giving him three points in the opening period. Smith escaped to tie the score at 3-3. That score held until the third period where Smith earned an escape and takedown, but that wasn’t enough.
Smith won the bout by decision giving Smith his eleventh dual victory of the year.
The Terps will be back on the mat at the Big Ten Championships in March.
