PHILADELPHIA – The fourth-ranked University of Iowa men’s wrestling team defeated the University of Pennsylvania, 22-13, on Friday night at the Palestra.
The Hawkeyes won six matches by decision and one by major decision.
“We are tight, and every point we score is hard,” said head coach Tom Brands. “We gotta figure out a way to make it a little easier. Like a hot knife through butter.”
Drake Ayala got the night started with a decision over Max Gallagher winning, 8-7. Ayala fended off a late push from Gallagher for his third ranked win of the season. Penn evened things up with a win at 133 pounds with Michael Colaiocco defeating Jace Rhodes via decision, 5-0.
The Hawkeyes then won the next three matches to head into intermission with a 12-3 lead. Real Woods defeated CJ Composto, 5-0, before Victor Voinovich III won against Andy Troczynski, 1-0. After a scoreless first two periods Voinovich chose down and earned the escape point to secure the victory.
Jared Franek notched a decision against Penn’s Jude Swisher at 157 pounds to send the Hawkeyes to the break leading 12-3.