Saratoga dual
DEC 2 - Guilderland opened the regular season with a 47 -
30 win over the Blue Streaks of Saratoga. Guilderland picked up
crucial victories from its veterans, while many newcomers saw Varsity
action for the first time.
Saratoga ran out to an early 15 - 0 lead by picking up a pin, forfeit
and decision in the first three matches. However, returning
Varsity member Zach Wacksman turned the tide with an imposing win by
fall at 119 lbs. A major decision from Junior Kevin Bates and a
dominating 14 - 5 major from Nick Haluska brought Guilderland within 1
point in the team score.
Senior Captain Travis Wolanski faced long-time rival A.J. Rue at 135
lbs. After a 4 - 4 deadlock at the end of regulation, Rue
requested a controversial injury timeout and scored on a takedown in
overtime to take the match, and put Saratoga ahead 18 - 14. The
Blue Streaks followed with a fall at 140, and went up 24 - 14 at the
half way point.
Senior Captain Ben Moon secured a 6 - 1 win, despite going up two weight
classes, and cut the lead to 24 - 17.
The night's most exciting match took place at 152 lbs, where Christian
Kernozek faced Saratoga's Matt Matrazzo. Kernozek found himself
down 6 - 4 in the third period, but kept the pressure on and was awarded
a 1 point "fleeing the mat" penalty late in the third. The junior
only needed a takedown to secure the win, but picked up much needed
bonus points when he scored a fall just before time ran off the clock.
Kernozek's efforts in acquiring additional team points led to him being
awarded the first DUTCHMEN AWARD for the season.
Forfeits for each team at 160 and 171 put the score at 30 -29 for
Saratoga heading into the 189 lb matchup. Junior Dan Curry earned
his new Varsity spot by picking up the pin, giving Guilderland its first
lead of the night. The win was followed by a forfeit by Senior
Matt Miller, clinching the match for the Dutchmen. Senior Kevin
McCarthy tacked on bonus points with a first period pin at 285, as
Guilderland starts the season 1 - 0 in the Suburban Council.
Congratulations to Christian Kernozek and the rest of the Dutchmen, who
head to Ilion this weekend to see competition at the Valley Duals.
KMM
