Both the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and the Holmdel High School wrestling teams were ready to battle it out to stay undefeated in Shore Conference A-Central Division play during their dual meet on Jan. 8 at Holmdel.
The Bulldogs strung out three straight victories to finish out the match and pick up their second division victory, defeating Holmdel, 44-26, to improve to 5-0 on the season.
“The kids are working hard and it’s showing on the mat,” said Rumson-Fair Haven coach Bryan Heller. “They’re going out there and doing the right thing by scoring points and staying focused. We had some kids overperform in different weight classes. It’s great to see the kids perform well in front of their friends and family.”
Twin brothers, Max and Tyler Brignola, continued their terrific seasons by picking up huge points for the Bulldogs at 145 and 152 pounds, respectively.
Max Brignola won his match by tech fall, 21-6, extending the Rumson-Fair Haven lead to 32-26 with two matches to go.
Tyler Brignola sealed up the Bulldogs’ fifth victory of the season by winning his match at 152 pounds via pin fall at the 1:34 mark.
Shay Addison (160 pounds), Ryan Boyer (170), Jack Kelly (182) and Tristan Izzo (126) all won their matches via pin fall for Rumson-Fair Haven.
The best match of the night was at 195 pounds, when Rumson Fair Haven’s Liam Horan scored a huge takedown to top Holmdel’s Victor Wladica for a 4-2 decision in overtime.
Wladica scored a point on a stand-up in the final seconds to force overtime.
Michael Pavlinetz (220) and Anthony Peloro (113) each earned a pin fall victory in the match for Holmdel.
Matteo Pinnero scored an 18-1 technical fall at 138 pounds for the Hornets, while teammate Thomas Ammirati won his match at 132 pounds with a 7-3 decision.
With the loss, Holmdel dropped to 3-5 on the season.
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