MONTREAT, N.C.— In a matchup that was originally supposed to take place as part of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Duals in January, the Montreat wrestling team hosted the Bluefield University Rams inside McAlister Gymnasium Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers used a combination of Rams forfeits and impressive match victories to take the dual 35-21 and improve to 5-11 (3-2 AAC) on the season as the team notched its first-ever home triumph.
 
After a forfeit by each squad started the dual with a 6-6 deadlock, Mohamed Ben Hafsia utilized a dominant tech fall over his opposition at 141 to give the Cavaliers the lead. Ben Hafsia notched a 25-9 triumph to swing momentum in the home team's favor.
 
Two Bluefield forfeits brought the score to 23-6 before Dalton Towe stepped in at 165. Towe pinned his Ram counterpart in only 1:35 to extend Montreat's advantage to its largest of the afternoon at 23 points (29-6).
 
Following a Bluefield pin and a Montreat forfeit that closed the gap to 29-18, Seth Williamson collected a fall in the 197-lb bout. Williamson, who has been a force for the Cavs in his class all season, pinned his opposition with 43 seconds remaining in the third period to secure the team triumph. Ben Austin battled but dropped a tight 3-2 decision in the final bout to close out the dual with the Cavaliers on top by 14.

For the full results, click here.
 
Wrestling now heads to the AAC Tournament, where individuals will wrestle for conference championships at each weight class, on Saturday, Feb. 19 in Waleska, Ga.