Pitt wrestling finishes second at ACC Tournament

Pitt's wrestling team has had a successful year so far, but after finishing second in the ACC Tournament over the weekend, they had to be somewhat disappointed.

The Panthers won the regular season tournament and were undefeated against ACC teams in dual meets. On Saturday, though, Pitt finished second to reigning champ Virginia Tech after some discouraging finals.

Pitt sent five wrestlers to the finals in their weight class - Anthony Zanetta (125 pounds), Edgar Bright (141), Mikey Racciato (149), Tyler Wilps (174), and Max Thomusseit (184). Unfortunately, only Wilps was able to win his match and finish as an ACC Champion. P.J. Tasser (heavyweight) and Shelton Mack (133) also recorded third-place finishes and got to the podium.

The biggest disappointments here had to be the top-seeded Mack and second-seeded Nick Bonaccorsi (197). Both were defeated in the semi-finals and forced to the consolation brackets. Biggest surprise goes to Racciato who has been a bit up and down this year as a freshman. He came in and won two bouts, including knocking off top-seeded (and ranked No. 6 in the nation) Augustus Sako from Virginia. Racciato fell in the finals 3-1, but really had a strong showing with that upset.

Zanetta, Bright, Racciato, Wilps, Thomusseit, and Tasser all automatically qualified for the NCAAs. Only two automatic spots were given at the 133-pound class, so Mack has to wait to see if he gets in (as do Bonaccorsi, Ronnie Garbinsky, and Geno Morelli).

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 manager/editor of Cardiac Hill @AnsonWhaley