Pikeville, Ky. - It was a historic night at the UPIKE Gym as the UPIKE wrestling hosted their first event tri-duel match. Bear nation got to witness Coach Travis Mallo's squad live as the Bears hosted University of Rio Grande and University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Wednesday night. 

UPIKE - 15, Rio Grande - 37

The Bears did not field wrestlers in the 125, 133, 141 or 157 weight classes, resulting in the Bears falling behind 24-0. In the 149 class, Christopher Stiltner was defeated by Mitchell Freeman in a major decision. Steven Lawrence pinned Justin Bartee in the 165 while Jesse Fulk also won via pin in the 174. Nate Greene won a 12-5 decision in the 184 as well. In the 197 class, Aiden Greene was defeated by Randall West and Gavin Hunt lost a 10-3 decision in the heavyweight. The Bears went 3-3 against the Red Storm in matchups they fielded.

UPIKE  - 9, Cumberlands (Ky.) - 42

Steven Lawrence opened the match for the Bears with an 8-4 decision win over Harrison Brooks in the 165. Jesse Fulk followed up Lawrence's win with a 13-6 decision victory in the 174 weight class. Nate Greene and Randall West were defeated in the 184 and 197, respectively. In the heavyweight, Gavin Hunt capped off a historic night for UPIKE wrestling with a 4-2 decision win. Hunt stole momentum with a takedown in the second period and sealed the win with an escape in the third. UPIKE was 3-2 against UC in matchups they fielded a wrestler in.

UPIKE's Man of the Match Goes To…

Jesse Fulk. Against Rio Grande, Fulk pinned his opponent at the 1:56 mark in the first period to win his matchup 6-0. In his matchup against Cumberlands, Fulk notched three near falls and a pair of takedowns in the first period. Fulk went 2-0 on the night following a 13-6 decision win over UC.

It was a fun atmosphere at the UPIKE Gym and an awesome night for UPIKE wrestling. Coach Travis Mallo's squad has this weekend off but will be back in action February 4th for a road match against Cumberland University (Tenn.). 

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