FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Feb. 16, 2025) -- In a thrilling showdown that showcased resilience and determination, the Morgan State wrestling team staged a gutsy comeback against the Sacred Heart Pioneers, overcoming a daunting 20-6 deficit to clinch a stunning 29-20 victory in their Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) matchup on Sunday afternoon.
The dual began with the Bears jumping out to a 6-0 lead after sophomore Julian Dawson won his bout by pin against Michael Baker at 125. Dawson's decisive victory set an early tone for the Bears, however, the Pioneers quickly regrouped and shifted the momentum in their favor with a series of impressive victories.
Braxton Fries-Appellp recorded a decisive tech fall over sophomore Jimmie Jones. The momentum continued when Andrew Fallon followed suit, securing a win by forfeit at 141, further solidifying the Pioneers' early advantage. As the matches progressed, Sacred Heart added three consecutive decisions at 149, 157 and 165 to take a commanding 20-6 lead before a spirited Pioneers crowd.
However, the Bears refused to succumb to the pressure. Displaying grit and tenacity, they turned the tide, and it all started at 174 behind the action of Darrien Roberts. The redshirt senior dominated his matchup against Calum Price and recorded a tech fall. This impressive victory not only lit up the scoreboard for the Bears but also served as a rallying point for the entire team, who had been trailing 20-11. The momentum shifted dramatically in their favor, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback.
Building on the surge of energy created by Roberts, sophomore Kingsley Menifee followed up by securing a pin against Aidan Zarella that further chipped away at the Pioneers' lead.
The pivotal moments came at 197 when junior Eric Washington Jr. was trailing Chris Delena 9-3, but flipped the script when he used a textbook throw and pinned Delena for not only the win, but it also gave the Bears its first lead since the beginning of the match. The final bout of the day showcased Morgan's standout heavyweight Xavier Doolin. Doolin, who entered the match ranked No. 6 in the EIWA, made quick work of his opponent Marc Berisha as he finished him off with a pin as an exclamation point on a remarkable victory for the Bears.
As the final whistle blew, the Bears celebrated a hard-fought win, a reminder that in wrestling, as in life, it's not over until the last point is scored.
Sacred Heart 20, Morgan State 29
Feb. 16, 2025 | Fairfield, Conn. | William H. Pitt Center
125: Julian Dawson (MSU) over Michael Baker (SH) by Fall (1:48), (6-0)
133: Braxton Fries-Appello (SHU) over Jimmie Jones (MSU) by Tech Fall, 19-3, (6-5)
141: Andrew Fallon (SHU) won by forfeit (MSU), (6-11)
149: Dakota Asuncion (SHU) over Yannis Charles (MSU) by Dec, 8-5, (6-14)
157: Felix Lettini (SHU) over Joshua Greenwood (MSU) by Decision, 6-5, (6-17)
165: Calvin Pineda (SHU) over Kyle Grey (MSU) by Decision, 8-2, (6-20)
174: Darrien Roberts (MSU) over Calum Price (SHU) by Tech Fall, 15-0, (11-20)
184: Kingsley Menifee (MSU) over Aidan Zarrella (SHU) over by Fall (3:30), (17-20)
197: Eric Washington Jr (MSU) over Chris DeLena (SHU) by Fall (6:00), (23-20)
285: Xavier Doolin (MSU) over Marc Berisha (SHU) by Fall (2:47), (29-20)
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
