Wrestling unable to snap losing streak at Princeton, Drexel, Penn

The third time was not the charm this weekend, as the Columbia wrestling team dropped three straight matches against Princeton, Drexel, and Penn. These recent defeats bring the Lions’ record to 6-10-1 overall, 0-3 Ivy, and the team is now on a six-game losing streak.

Columbia traveled to Princeton on Saturday, in hopes of capturing its first Ivy victory. However, the Lions fell behind early and weren’t able to catch up, losing by a final score of 28-13. The Light Blue dropped the first five contests to the Tigers, before Columbia junior Eren Civan defeated Princeton’s Mike Alvarez 5-4 at 165 pounds. Princeton quickly regained its momentum, winning the following two matches. The Lions were able to finish the competition off on a positive note, thanks to back-to-back victories by Lou Miller at 197 pounds, and Kevin Lester at 285 pounds.
Four hours later Columbia hit the road yet again to face Drexel. The second contest of the day proved to be another difficult one, as the Lions fell 21-16. Unlike against Princeton, Columbia was in position to win from the beginning. Sophomore Kyle Gilchrist won the opening 125 pound contest by a major decision, giving the Lions an early lead. The Light Blue would win another four contests, splitting the 10 duals against the Dragons. Heading into the final bout, Columbia was down just two points. Unfortunately, Columbia’s Kevin Lester could not pull off the victory, losing 6-4 and giving Drexel the overall victory.

On Sunday, Columbia headed back to Pennsylvania to take on Ivy rival Penn. The Lions were unable to capitalize on some big upsets, falling 22-13. The Light Blue fell behind early yet again, as the Quakers took the first three bouts. However, in the 149 pound dual, Columbia freshman Steve Santos upset the number nine ranked wrestler Cesar Grajales 7-3. Next, Columbia freshman Jake O’Hara defeated Troy Hernandez 10-1, swinging the momentum into Columbia’s favor. In the following dual, at 165 pounds, Civan took over where O’Hara left off, upsetting No. 18 Gabriel Burak 7-3. The Quakers would go on to win the following three bouts, with the Lions failing to capitalize on the two big upsets.

This Friday, Columbia will host conference foe Harvard for the Homecoming competition. The following day, Columbia will face Brown at home in the last matchup before the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships in March.