After nearly three weeks off, the Bobcats came into their dual ready to get back onto the mat and turn their season around.
Ohio did just that with a 20-13 victory over West Virginia in one of its most well-rounded matches of the season. Ohio (2-3, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) started the night with wins by No. 19 Shakur Laney, No. 22 Alec Hagan and Zac Carson. The three straight wins gave the Bobcats an early 13-3 lead.
Laney dominated Caleb Rea, winning a 19-7 major decision while taking Rea down nine times throughout the bout. In an even matchup, Hagan defeated Seth Hogue 2-1 in one of the closest bouts of the night. Carson defeated Alex Hornfeck 4-3. Carson had a go-ahead takedown with a little over a minute left in the third period to capture his victory.
In the most electric bout of the night, sophomore Logan Stanley defeated Scott Joll 17-13. Stanley had a four-point near fall in the first period and also escaped a pin. Stanley’s ability to prevail in a match like this showed his potential for the rest of his season.
While the Mountaineers are not the best opponent, it still was a quality, but more importantly, a needed win for Ohio, as it has not won in over a month.
The Bobcats next matchup will be at the Midland Classic in Chicago on Dec. 29-30.
