Results (PDF) | Detailed Results (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel wrestling team kicked off its 2015-16 season on Saturday morning with a 21-14 win over SoCon foe VMI.
 
"The whole match was back and forth," head coach Rob Hjerling said. "Everybody, win or lose, wrestled really hard. We went into the half with the lead but came back out from intermission and got behind. It was great to close out a close dual with three really solid wins in a pressure situation. Really happy with how we responded in that situation. Great win for this team at home against a conference opponent."
 
The Bulldogs fell down early after the first two matches as Caleb Smith (6-2) and Andrew Clayton (0-3) lost by decision and major decision, respectively. VMI would hold a 7-0 lead heading into the 141-pound match.
 
Ty Buckiso (1-0) got things started for The Citadel in the 141-pound weight class behind four take downs and secured a 10-4 decision to make the score 7-3, still in favor of the Keydets. Buckiso's win was the first of three in a row for the Bulldogs.
 
Matt Frisch (1-0) earned a tough 4-3 decision over VMI's Emmitt Kelly after a take down and two escapes to narrow the Bulldogs' deficit to 7-6. No.14 Aaron Walker (1-0) grabbed the next win for the Bulldogs in an 11-6 decision over Neal Richards to give The Citadel its first lead of the match 9-7.
 
The Keydets regained the lead after winning the next two matches. William Connell (1-3) fell in a major decision at 165 pounds and Timothy Knipl (5-1) lost in a 3-1 decision in the 174-pound match. The two wins would give VMI a 14-9 lead with three weight classes remaining.
 
The Citadel would sweep the remaining three matches by major decision beginning with freshman Sawyer Root, who won by a 12-4 major decision. Root (6-0) tallied three take downs and two escapes in the win over Derek Thurman.  
 
Marshall Haas (1-0) also took the win in the 197-pound match, recording four take downs in the 11-3 winning effort. Joe Bexley finished things out for the Bulldogs with a 14-0 major decision over Tasi Mathias to give The Citadel the 21-14 victory.

With the win, the Bulldogs earn their first win of the year overall as well as in the SoCon. The Citadel returns to the mat on Wednesday when it takes on Anderson University at 6 p.m.
 
For more information on The Citadel wrestling, follow @CitadelWrestle or visit CitadelSports.com.