GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Eastern Oregon No.25 Men's w=Wrestling team opened its Arizona weekend with a 25–12 dual victory over No.14 Arizona Christian on Friday night, highlighted by two key upsets against nationally ranked opponents.
The evening began with an exhibition heavyweight bout, where
Hayden Martin made quick work of Christopher Moore, earning a pin at 4:41.
Arizona Christian jumped out to an early lead at 125 pounds, but Eastern Oregon quickly rebounded. At 133 pounds, No.15
Kai Carson picked up an 11–8 decision over No. 5 Jason Ramirez in one of the night's biggest wins.
Daniel Guerrero followed it up with another huge upset, defeating No.12 Michael Trujillo by an 8–3 decision.
No.21
Eric Larwin continued the run at 149, earning a 6–3 decision over Rico Robles, before No.24
Carlos Valdez delivered a dominant 17–2 technical fall at 157.
John Rudebaugh added another victory at 165 pounds with a hard-fought 4–1 decision over Nico Pina. Arizona Christian added two more victories at 174 and 184 pounds, as No. 8 Leonardo Galasso earned a major decision over
Wylee Lindeen, and Kaden Martin followed with a major decision win against
Kylan Guerra.
Eric Karas ended the Firestorm's run, putting together an explosive showing at 197 pounds, scoring a 20–5 technical fall over Brandon Townsend. The night closed at heavyweight, where No.13
Nico Rodriguez capped the dual with a 4–1 decision over Kevin Cisneros.
Eastern Oregon finished the night with seven wins, including two victories over ranked opponents, as the Mountaineers opened their Arizona trip with a statement performance.
The Mountaineers return to action Saturday night, traveling to Prescott, Arizona, to face Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in another Cascade Conference matchup, with the dual set to begin at 5:00 p.m. MT.
