Pitt wrestling knocks off Bucknell, moves to 3-0 on season

Pitt's wrestling team picked up its third win of the season on Saturday, defeating Bucknell, 22-11.

The Panthers again got off to a slow start, dropping two of their first three matches. But as was the case in their victory against No. 10 Edinboro a few days ago, Pitt made up ground in the heavier weight classes.

True freshman Dom Forys, facing his second ranked opponent already, lost his first match of the season, falling to No. 20 Paul Petrov at the 125 weight class. Following a win at 133 pounds by Nick Zanetta and a loss at 141 by Ben Ross, the Panthers trailed 8-3. From there, however, the team took over.

Pitt had six straight wins by Mike Racciato, Ronnie Garbinsky, Cody Wiercioch, Troy Reaghard, Max Thomusseit, and Nick Bonaccorsi. Heavyweight John Rizzo lost his first match of the season to No. 13 Joe Stolfi, but the Panthers made up more than enough ground in the other matches.

The Panthers now get a week off before facing No. 15 Lehigh next Saturday. After that is the heavily anticipated matchup against No. 5 Penn State at the Pete.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.