No. 23 WVU Wrestling’s Rally Falls Short in Loss to No. 20 Missouri

After dropping four of the first five bouts in Sunday’s dual meet against No. 20 Missouri, No. 23 West Virginia claimed four consecutive victories to tie the score at 16-all heading into the 285-pound match.

Mountaineers heavyweight Michael Wolfgram held a 6-4 lead through two periods over No. 29 ranked Jarrett Stoner. Stoner recorded two escapes during the third period to even the match at 6-6, but an injury forced Wolfgram to withdraw from the match, giving the Tigers a 22-16 victory inside Mizzou Arena on Sunday afternoon.

West Virginia (8-5, 2-4) suffered its second consecutive Big 12 defeat, as the Mountaineers remain in search for the program’s first-ever victory over the Tigers.

Reigning Big 12 Wrestler of the Week Jett Strickenberger started the match with a 7-6 victory over Gage Walker at 125 pounds. Strickenberger, now ranked No. 10, has won five consecutive dual meet matches, including four over ranked opponents.

Missouri answered with four consecutive victories to jump in front.

Tommy Maddox fell via pinfall to Kade Moore at 133 and Jordan Titus dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 11 Josh Edmond at 141. The Mountaineers were deducted a team point for unsportsmanlike conduct following the 141-pound match, giving the Tigers a 9-2 lead.

Missouri’s Logan Gioffre followed with a 9-8 victory over Sam Hillegas at 149 before No. 27 James Conway scored a 14-4 major decision over Sasha Gavronsky at 157, as Missouri led 16-2.

Peyton Hall started West Virginia’s comeback rally by edging No. 10  Cam Steed via 10-8 decision at 165. Hall, ranked No. 3, defeated his second ranked opponent this week and is now 23-0 on the season.

Brody Conley and Dennis Robin each picked up major decision wins at 174 and 184, while Ian Bush claimed a decision victory at 197 to tie the match prior to Wolfgram’s injury default.

The WVU wrestling team will face No. 5 Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. Saturday inside the WVU Coliseum.