No. 18 WVU Wrestling Upset by California Baptist in Big 12 Opener

The No. 18 ranked WVU wrestling team fell to California Baptist 18-15 in the Mountaineers’ Big 12 opener on Sunday afternoon.

In the first ever meeting between the two teams, the Lancers (4-2, 2-0) used a string of five consecutive victories to defeat the Mountaineers (3-1, 0-1) in front of a packed crowd at Oak Glen High School in New Cumberland, West Virginia, the former home of fifth-year senior Peyton Hall.

Hall, a former four-time state champion at Oak Glen, defeated Drayden Morton via 5-1 decision in the 165-pound bout to close out the meet.

With California Baptist leading 18-12 heading into the match, Hall needed a pinfall to send the dual meet into tiebreakers.

The two-time All-American held a 1-0 lead through two periods before Morton secured an escape point to begin the final frame. Hall secured a takedown, but was unable to work Morton onto his back to attempt the pin.

Hall added a riding time point to set the 5-1 final in his match.

“I never imagined coming into college that I would be able to do something like this,” Hall said of wrestling in his former gym. “I’m really happy that I got to do it for everybody back home. They travel to Morgantown every weekend when we wrestle here, so it’s very exciting.”

West Virginia’s Brody Conley started the meet with a 4-2 victory over Carter Schmit at 174 pounds. Ian Bush fell to California Baptist’s Nathan Haas 7-2 to tie the match at 3-3.

The Mountaineers then rattled off three straight victories to jump in front. Austin Cooley (197) and Michael Wolfgram (285) both picked up 4-1 decisions and Jace Schafer won 8-1 at 125 to put West Virginia ahead 12-3.

California Baptist tied the meet through seven bouts with a pair of upset victories at 133 and 141. The Lancers’ Richard Murillo pinned Jett Strickenberger before Elijah Griffin defeated No. 14 Jordan Titus via 5-0 decision.

The Lancers went ahead 18-12 after Paul Kelly took down Sam Hillegas 6-3 at 149 pounds in Hillegas’ first dual meet of the season. Sasha Gavronsky dropped a 13-9 decision to Jeremy Ginter at 157.

The Mountaineers will compete next in the Knockout Christmas Classic on Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida. West Virginia will face North Dakota State, Wisconsin, and Campbell in the quad match event.

Find more coverage of the WVU wrestling team at WV Sports Now.