Murray, Murphy Earn Victories in 27-15 Victory Over Gannon on Senior Day

Feb. 10, 2007

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Behind falls from junior Peter Grodziak (Allentown/Parkland) and red-shirt sophomore Jason Groller (Easton/Easton), the Shippensburg wrestling team picked up its second victory in its last three dual matches with a 27-15 victory over Gannon Saturday at Heiges Field House on Senior and Alumni Recognition Day.

With the score tied at 15-15, Grodziak earned his third fall of the season and fourth of his career at 197 pounds, defeating Ryan Dunlap in 3:43. Following Groziak at heavyweight, Groller picked his second fall in as many days with a pin of Chris Wolski in 1:33 to ensure the win.

Grodziak and Groller’s match-clinching falls were set up by senior Mark Murphy (Dillsburg/Northern York) at 184 pounds. With the Red Raiders (5-7) trailing 15-12, Murphy was able to hold for a 6-3 victory over Pino Scavella to tie the match and give Shippensburg the opportunity to win the match in the final two bouts.

After Gannon (3-6) earned a forfeit at 125 pounds to take a 6-0 lead, Shippensburg responded with three consecutive victories to go ahead 12-6, highlighted by red-shirt junior Darren Murray (Harrisburg/Central Dauphin) who recorded his first career fall at 133 pounds after defeating Scott Baron in 4:46.

Entering today’s match, Murray, who, along with Murphy, will wrestle in their final home matches as Red Raiders on Sunday, had recorded one technical fall and one major decision, both of which came this season.

At 141 pounds, freshman Steve Fittery (Denver/Cocalico) earned a 15-9 decision thanks to an active second period effort in which he scored two takedowns, a reversal and an escape.

After red-shirt junior Dan Nauman (Middletown/Middletown) earned a 6-3 win at 149 to give Shippensburg a six-point advantage, the Golden Knights earned three-straight victories to take a 15-12 lead.

At 174, Red Raider red-shirt sophomore Rick Mascino (Philadelphia/North Catholic) suffered his second consecutive narrow defeat when he was edged by Mike Cavalier, 4-2. After a scoreless first period, Mascino scored a reversal and led 2-1 after two.

However, Cavalier scored his only takedown of the bout with 15 seconds remaining in the third period to get the victory.

Shippensburg will host its final home match of the season on Sunday when it welcomes ninth-ranked West Liberty State to Heiges Field House beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Shippensburg 27, Gannon 15
125 - Chris Santucci (GU) won by forfeit (0-6)
133 - Darren Murray (SU) WBF Scott Baron, 4:46 (6-6)
141 - Steve Fittery (SU) dec. Kevin McElhaney, 15-9 (9-6)
149 - Dan Nauman (SU) dec. Ted Hoag, 6-3 (12-6)
157 - Zack McKendree (GU) dec. Jake Wilson, 9-4 (12-9)
165 - A.J. Sayles (GU) dec. Kirby Fanus, 6-2 (12-12)
174 - Mike Cavalier (GU) dec. Rick Mascino, 4-2 (12-15)
184 - Mark Murphy (SU) dec. Pino Scavella, 6-3 (15-15)
197 - Peter Grodziak (SU) WBF Ryan Dunlap, 3:43 (21-15)
Hwt - Jason Groller (SU) WBF Chris Wolski, 1:33 (27-15)

- Red Raider Wrestling -