JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Junior Richard Viruet earned a 6-4 decision at 165 pounds, providing the lone victory for East Stroudsburg University in a 49-3 dual loss at nationally-ranked Pitt-Johnstown on Friday evening.

The Mountain Cats (10-2, 3-0 PSAC) were ranked tied for seventh in the latest NWCA Division II poll released earlier this afternoon. They earned an 11th-straight dual victory over the Warriors (2-4, 0-3 PSAC).

Viruet returned to action for the first time since ESU's 27-19 win at No. 19 LIU Post on Dec. 15. He won his third-straight bout, and improved his overall record on the year to 17-4 (3-0 in duals).

A pair of nationally-ranked wrestlers competed at 141 pounds, with No. 2 Joey Alessandro edging redshirt senior Dylan Nace by a 6-2 decision. Nace, currently No. 12 nationally in his weight class, drops to 34-4 lifetime in collegiate duals.

The Mountain Cats won the remaining six contested bouts by bonus points, including five via fall. UPJ's only two dual defeats this season have come to top-10 ranked opponents.

ESU returns to action at the Kutztown Duals next weekend. The two-day competition begins with PSAC matchups against Seton Hill (6 p.m.) and Millersville (7:30 p.m.) next Friday.


#T-7 Pitt-Johnstown 49, ESU 3
125 – Brendan Howard (UPJ) won via forfeit … UPJ leads, 6-0
133 – Matt Siszka (UPJ) def. Jared Altan via fall, 4:31 … UPJ leads, 12-0
141 –  #2 Joey Alessandro (UPJ) def. #12 Dylan Nace via decision, 6-2 … UPJ leads, 15-0
149 – #1 Chris Eddins (UPJ) def. Pierre Liciaga via fall, 2:39 … UPJ leads, 21-0
157 – Corey Falleroni (UPJ) def. Marquan Payne via fall, 5:43 … UPJ leads, 27-0
165 – Richard Viruet (ESU) def. Gage Thomas via decision, 6-4 … UPJ leads, 27-3
174 – Steve Edwards (UPJ) def. Collin Stevens via major decision, 12-0 … UPJ leads, 31-3
184 – Brock Biddle (UPJ) def. Ronnie Simmons, Jr., via fall, 1:07 … UPJ leads, 37-3
197 – Alex Dulp (UPJ) won via forfeit … UPJ leads, 43-3
285 – Tyler Oliver (UPJ) def. Cameron Kates via fall, 1:32 … UPJ wins, 49-3