AMES — In its third dual competition against a ranked opponent this season, No. 14 Iowa State defeated No. 15 Pittsburgh 23-14 Sunday.
In the team’s second dual of the weekend and with a lineup full of freshmen and sophomores, Iowa State continued to dominate.
Lightweight redemption
After losing his last matchup against Arizona State, sophomore Ethan Perryman entered the dual, hoping to get back on track. Perryman’s 21-8 major decision was the first win in a long line of Cyclone victories.
Following Perryman’s victory, sophomore Evan Frost recorded a win by fall over freshman Tyler Chappell. Frost’s win at 133 marks 10 consecutive victories, tied with his twin brother Jacob Frost at 141 after an 8-2 decision victory.
Iowa State took a 13-0 lead in the team score through the first three matchups.
“I was super excited, but I’m not the type to celebrate much,” Perryman said. “It was great to get my first Hilton win, and I was super happy on the inside.”
Much of the same follows for the Cyclones
It became evident in the 149 matchup that nothing new would come about with sophomore Paniro Johnson. After a scoreless first period and falling behind 1-0 on an escape at the start of the second, the crowd was treated to another middleweight, low-scoring affair.
After tying the matchup 1-1, the 149 matchup entered an extra period, setting the stage for Johnson’s second sudden victory this season and giving Iowa State a 16-0 lead in the team standings.
“When it’s time to go, it’s time to go,” Iowa State head coach Kevin Dresser said. “Everything is about matchups, and I would have loved to get bonus points, but having an early lead was nice.”
At 157, sophomore Carter Fousek wrestled in place of Cody Chittum. After a come-from-behind victory against Arizona State’s Pierson Manville, Fousek could not find the same luck against Pittsburgh’s No. 23 ranked Dylan Evans.
“I’m sure [Fousek]’s nerves were much less than they were on Friday,” Dresser said. “This guy was a legit top-20 guy, and that’s just how it goes sometimes.”
Success at new weight classes
At 165, redshirt sophomore Aiden Riggins recorded a win against Kelin Laffey on a 14-4 major decision. The win was Riggins’ second of the weekend at 165 after dropping from 174.
“Weight classes are like chess,” Dresser said. “With the available guys, you have to put the best product out on the mat.”
In place of Riggins at 174, sophomore MJ Gaitan entered against No. 18 Luca Augustine. Gaitan’s win gave the Cyclones a 23-4 lead in the team score.
“Knowing when to hit flashy moves is important, and that’s what it came down to,” Gaitain said. “Every match we’re coming to scrap, and wrestling through every scenario has come along with the struggles this season. It lights a fire under this team for sure.”
Freshman Daniel Herrera is 19-9 in 28 matches wrestling at heavyweight. In place of Yonger Bastida in the later part of the season, the challenges of wrestling at heavyweight are nothing new for Herrera.
Against another ranked opponent, Pittsburgh sophomore Dayton Pitzer, Herrera was tested again. After starting the first and second periods 0-0, Herrera scored first with a takedown before losing 5-3 by decision. Herrera collected his 10th loss of the season.
“In the third period, [Herrera] looked like a high school kid the way he rolled around,” Dresser said. “He’s a competitor and wants to be put in big matchups.”
MATCH-BY-MATCH RESULTS
No. 14 Iowa State 23, No. 15 Pittsburgh 14
125: Ethan Perryman (ISU) maj. dec. Colyn Limbert (PITT), 21-8
133: #5 Evan Frost (ISU) WBF Tyler Chappell (PITT), 4:45
141: #11 Jacob Frost (ISU) dec. Briar Priest (PITT), 8-2
149: #7 Paniro Johnson (ISU) dec. Kade Brown (PITT), 4-1 SV-1
157: #23 Dylan Evans (PITT) maj. dec. Carter Fousek (ISU), 11-3
165: Aiden Riggins (ISU) maj. dec. Kelin Laffey (PITT), 14-4
174: #21 MJ Gaitan (ISU) dec. #18 Luca Augustine (PITT), 4-2
184: Chase Kranitz (PITT) dec. Caleb Helgeson (ISU), 10-4
197: #10 Mac Stout (PITT) maj. dec. Nate Schon (ISU), 11-2
285: #13 Dayton Pitzer (PITT) dec. #26 Daniel Herrera (ISU), 5-3
