LA GRANDE, Ore. – 19th-ranked Mountaineer Men's Wrestling is on the road this weekend for their final dual of the regular season. Eastern Oregon will take on in-state rival Southern Oregon and will hope to avenge a loss from earlier this season. 

OPPONENT
Southern Oregon Raiders (4-5, 4-5 CCC)

WHERE
Ashland, Ore. - Riehm Arena

WHEN 
Saturday, Feb. 5 - 7 p.m.

Mat Points
• The Mountaineers (7-4, 5-3 CCC) battle in their first dual since Jan. 12 and what will be their final dual of the regular season.
• Eastern is currently 5-3 against CCC opponents, but will look to avenge a 23-18 home loss they suffered against SOU back on Nov. 6.
• The Mountaineers were last in action back on Jan. 21-22 when a trio of wrestlers competed at Missouri Valley Invite. Noel Orozco led the way with a runner-up finish at 285 pounds. 
• In dual action this season, EOU has seven wins with just one being a forfeit victory. They have three of their last four duals.
• Following the SOU dual, Eastern will then turn their focus to postseason action when they head to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships which will take place Feb. 18-19.

SOU Fan Policy
• Fans planning to attend are subject to SOU's vaccination policy, which requires proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 or a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to entry.
• Photo ID must be presented for verification. Per state mandate, non-participants are required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

How to Watch/Follow
• This weekend's dual can be watched on the Mountie Sports Network by going to www.eousports.com/watch. The livestream will be Pay-Per-View and costs $5.

Quick Hits
Last Time Out
• EOU had three wrestlers compete at the Missouri Valley Invite back on Jan. 21-22. They finished 29th as a team with 21 team points.
• Noel Orozco led the charge going 4-1 at 285 pounds for a runner-up finish. Also competing was Monte Zufelt (141 lbs.) and Malakai Moyer (157 lbs.).

Mountaineers in the Rankings
• In the fifth edition of the NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Top-20 poll, EOU checked in at No. 19 in the nation. The team was tied for 19th with Embry-Riddle (Ariz.).
• The Mountaineers No. 19 spot is two spots lower from No. 17 in the fourth poll.
• In the latest CCC rankings through the NAIA, EOU is ranked seventh.
• Eastern has been ranked in every NAIA top-20 poll during the 2021-22 season.

Previously Against Southern Oregon
• The Mountaineers dropped a close 23-18 contest at home against SOU back on Nov. 6 in what was the team's home opener.
• Scoring individual wins for the Mountaineers were Chad Muenzer (149 lbs.), John Bittinger (174 lbs.), Keegan Mulhill (184 lbs.), Jay Smith (197 lbs.), and Noel Orozco (285 lbs.). 
• EOU is just 3-6 against Southern since the program was reinstated back in 2016-17.

Scouting the Raiders
• Southern Oregon enters the weekend with a 4-5 overall dual record with the same mark against CCC opponents. They are 1-2 at home this season.
• In the latest NAIA top-20 poll, SOU is receiving votes and has four individual wrestlers ranked. 
• At 157 pounds, JJ Talavera is ranked No. 11 – the highest post for any Raider this year. He ranks second on the team in wins with a 23-9 record and has won eight of his last 10 matches.
• Justin Coon entered the rankings for the first time since the preseason at 133 pounds, breaking in at No. 15.
• Pancho Barrera is No. 15 at 125 pounds. He brings a team-best 8-2 dual record into the weekend.
• Freshman standout Evan Potter checks in at No. 17 at 133. He still leads the team in wins with a 24-8 record, and in bonus-point victories with 16.

Projected EOU Starting lineup vs. SOU
125- Luciano Fasulo OR Adrian Guevara
133- Zach Mauras
141- Chad Muenzer OR Jaxon Morlan
149- Vincent Cramer
157- Malakai Moyer
165- John Bittinger
174- Keegan Mulhill
184- Kyle Knudtson
197- Marco Retano
285- Noel Orozco

Up Next
• The Mountaineers next competition will be in the postseason as they get ready for the CCC Championships which will take place Feb. 18-19. Hosting this year's Championships is Montana State-Northern in Havre, Mont.

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