PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Lions crossed state lines for a pair of duals against Simspon University and Arizona Christian - both whom are familiar foes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Against the Firestorm, the run over victories by Frederick Padilla (SR/Azusa, CA), Armon Fayyazi (SR/Irvine, CA), and Baron Gaunt (FR/Torrance, CA) sealed the win for Vanguard, while the Pride was not stressed in their nightcap against the RedHawks.
What Happened? In the dual against ACU to begin the day, Josh Whaley (FR/Upland, CA) won in a forfeit and Mario Barrios (SR/Covina, CA) recorded a fall 3:51 in the first two pairings. No. 14 Gabriel Cortez (SO/Covina, CA) was bested by a 5-1 decision and Adam Valdez (SR/Barstow, CA) was knocked off in the 149 pound weight class. George Zuniga (FR/Selma, CA) was defeated by fall before the Lions got back on track with Padilla winning in the 165 bout. Fayyazi and Gaunt both were victorious before Ryan Ortiz (FR/Orange, CA) and #19 Michael Ruiz (FR/Orange, CA) split the last two matchups. Micha Leininger (SO/Rancho Bernardo, CA), Caleb Trumbull (FR/Riverside, CA), and Gaunt wrestled exhibition matches and won. Against Simpson, Vanguard used the same lineup for the 125 and 133 pound weight classes with the same results. They switched it up in the 141 bout with Steven Kroesen (SO/Laguna Hills, CA) recorind a fall en route to the victory. Valdez and Zuniga bounced back with victories; both Gaunt and Padilla were awarded a win by forfeit. The two losses of the second match were in the 197 pound and heavyweight pairings. In bonus bouts against the RedHawks, Leininger won and Trumbull lost 4-2.
Why It's Important? Last season, the team went 2-6 in dual contests and never won consecutive head-to-head matchups. This season, the team is 3-0 and have beating Simpson decisively twice. The MatMen also avenged a narrow defeat a year ago by besting Arizona Christian - the host of today's duals. The victories today bring the teams modern all-time record to 5-6.
Notable Performances: Whaley went 2-0 on the day in his first outing for the Blue and Gold, while Barrios also won both of his matchups. Number four ranked Fayyazi went undefeated as well as #8 Padilla over another Top 15 ranked opponent. Against Simpson, all of their CCC ranked wrestlers were victorious. On the year, Gaunt is 4-0, while Padilla and Fayyazi are both 3-0.
What They Said? Assistant Coach Joe Evan - "We wrestled well today! To say I'm proud of this teams unshakable determination and grit during this season that has been like no other is an understatement. We still have much to work on and we can't wait to get back to work next week."
Next Up: Saturday, January 30th at Simpson University against Southern Oregon, Corban University, and Warner Pacific
#ClawsUp
