MARSHALL, Mo. – The Mountaineers wrapped up its two days of competition at the Missouri Valley Invitational. Eastern Oregon had a limited squad compete, but still earned one podium finish in Noel Orozco. As a team, Eastern finished 29th overall out of 38 teams and scored 21 points.

Orozco was the only Mountaineer that made it out of day one and ultimately made it to the first place match at 285 pounds. He finished with a 4-1 record, scoring 20 points. His lone loss was in the finals.

On day one, Orozco went 2-0 to stay alive and advance to day two. He started with a 9-1 major decision against Alton Allen of Briar Cliff. His second win of the day was a pin in 40 seconds over Tyler Kassinger of Thomas More. 

On day two, Orozco posted a 2-1 record to grab his runner-up finish. In the quarterfinals, Orozco shutout Nic Roller of St. Mary (Kan.) with a 2-0 decision. In the semifinals Orozco posted another shutout, this time 4-0, against Vernon Willis of Indiana Tech. In the championship match, Orozco battled Tommy Mommer of Grand View (Iowa). Mommer held off Orozco with a 2-0 decision.

Competing for EOU as well was Monte Zufelt at 141 pounds and Malakai Moyer at 157 pounds. Zufelt scored one point going 1-2 with his lone win being a 10-8 decision. Moyer was 0-2 on day one.

Eastern will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Clackamas Open. Mat action will begin at 9 a.m. PT.

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