NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Montevallo wrestling team earned a dual split on Conference Carolinas opening night Thursday, falling to 25th-ranked Newberry 30-21 before cruising to a 39-12 win over Allen in the nightcap.
Dual One: No. 25 Newberry (L, 21-30)
As part of FloWrestling Night in America, the Falcons opened the evening in a primetime matchup with the hosts. Montevallo came out firing, with Cole Hunt (125) staying perfect on the year after pinning Hunter McCullough in 2:34. Noah Smith followed with a 14-5 major decision at 133, and Kaden Brown (141) kept the run rolling with a 17-1 tech fall in 4:34.
Max Stedeford (149) added the Falcons' second fall of the night, pinning Sebastian Melendez in 3:45 to push the UM lead to 21-0. However, Newberry stormed back with six straight bout wins, including four falls, to take the dual 30-21.
Dual Two: Allen (W, 39-12)
The Falcons once again started strong as Hunt earned a forfeit at 125, followed by Smith's pin of Norikus Cowan in just 1:41. Brown (141) secured his second tech fall of the night and fourth this season with a 19-2 win in 4:03. Stedeford (149) added an 18-1 tech fall in 3:31, and Carson Freeman (157) made it back-to-back techs with a 17-2 victory.
After Allen claimed the 165, 174, and 184 bouts, Rhett Walters (197) responded with a pin of Kaden Gadson in 3:47. Willie Cox sealed the dual with a 1:05 fall at 285 to give Montevallo the 39-12 win.
UP NEXT: Montevallo travels to Bristol, Tenn. on Sunday for the King Open.
