The Virginia wrestling team returns to action Saturday, hosting a quad meet at Memorial Gymnasium. The Cavaliers look to keep on rolling after picking up two victories last weekend against ACC rival North Carolina and Davidson. With the wins, Virginia's season record improved to 3-2.
The Cavaliers are led by their nationally ranked duo of No. 2 Scott Moore and No. 12 Tim Foley. On the season, Moore has been named ACC Wrestler of the Week three times and is 32-0 in the 141-pound weight class, with 23 wins coming by fall. Last weekend, Moore was particularly impressive as he recorded two falls in a combined time of 2:47. Foley, who wrestles at 165 pounds, brings a record of 20-3.
The matches against Old Dominion, Kent State and Virginia Tech, which are scheduled to begin at noon, all will take place within six hours. To most, this may seem like a demanding task, but the reasoning behind the scheduling quirk is quite sound, Virginia coach Lenny Bernstein said. Basically, it is all about preparation for the time of the year that really counts -- the postseason.
"We schedule three matches together for that reason, to get ready for ACCs and Nationals," Bernstein said.
As if preparation for the postseason is not enough motivation for the Cavaliers, the match against that certain team from Blacksburg proves that rivalries are not just meant for revenue sports.
"We love Tech," 157-pounder Paul Bjorlo said tongue-in-cheek. "It is the same thing as in football."
Like Moore and Foley, Bjorlo is enjoying his own successful individual season with 21 victories thus far.
Bernstein did not simply look at the Hokies as a rival to be beaten simply for the sake of pride or bragging rights. He emphasized the quality of their team, despite an up-and-down season thus far.
"Virginia Tech is always a big match for us," Bernstein said. "They have some really solid individuals. They are going to give us a really solid match."
The Cavaliers should also have revenge on their minds this weekend. Virginia last faced Kent State in a quad meet two years ago in Charlottesville. On that day, the Golden Flashes throttled the Cavaliers and earned an easy 33-10 victory en route to a first place finish.
But while Kent State has struggled this season, many of their losses came in squeakers against tough competition. As a result, the Golden Flashes have been unable to gain momentum.
"Kent State is a tough team," Bernstein said. "We lost to them two years ago, so we will be looking for revenge."
Old Dominion's season has mirrored that of the Hokies. The Monarchs have been unable to string together a long series of wins, but they will bring a hungry squad to Mem Gym.
The importance of this weekend's meet is compounded by the fact that Virginia's next five matches, including two in the ACC against N.C. State and Duke, are on the road.
Based on last weeks results, the Cavaliers seem to be well on their way to running off a series of wins after a slow start to the dual season.
"If we wrestle like with did against North Carolina," Bjorlo said, "we will get the victories."
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