The Oswego State wrestling team battled nationally-ranked Ithaca College to the brink at Max Ziel Gymnasium on Saturday, eventually falling 24-15. With the loss in its first dual of the 2014-15 campaign, Oswego is now 0-1 while the No. 14 Bombers improve to 3-0.
Scott Bova put on an impressive show at 184-pounds with his team trailing by just three at 15-12. The junior scored several takedowns and allowed Ithaca's Thomas Anania to escape several times in order to try for a major decision. Bova's efforts to gain the major fell just short with a seven-point decision, 11-4. His win also knotted the match at 15-15 with two weight classes left.
Earlier in the day, Abubakarr Sow used a takedown in the final minute of the third period to secure a 4-3 decision at 157 over the Bombers' Nikolas Hansen. At 174, Sean Maloney was in control throughout his bout, eventually taking a 4-1 victory against his Ithaca opponent.
The match came down to the final weight class of the day with the Bombers ahead just 18-15. Ithaca was able to earn a fall at 285 to collect the win over the Lakers.
Oswego will be back in action early in the New Year when it hosts the NY/PA Duals for visiting Lycoming College and King's College. The Lakers will start with a dual against Lycoming at 2 p.m., followed immediately after with a match against King's.
