The good part for Vernon-Verona-Sherrill’s wrestling team was that it had earned a place in the 16-team field at the annual Section III Dual Meet at Rome Free Academy.
The bad part, though, was that it had to meet no. 2 seed Fulton in the opening round, and any chance to advance deep in the tournament got thwarted in a hurry as the Red Devils lost a 60-12 verdict to the Red Raiders.
Only Dylan Kavanaugh, at 103 pounds, and Dan Walts, at 119 pounds, are able to win matches. Kavanaugh claims a forfeit, while Walts pins Dylan Coppola.
Every other match goes in Fulton’s favor, as it will advance to the championship round before falling to Phoenix for the second year in a row.
In the consolation bracket, VVS ran into Copenhagen, doubling its point total — but still taking a 43-24 loss to the Gold Knights.
James Stacy puts the Red Devils on the board at 140 pounds, edging Jacob Frith 13-12 before Copenhagen takes the next four matches, putting the meet out of reach.
Nick Mieczkowski, at 189 pounds, ends that string when he pins Eric Bates at the end of the second period. Kavanaugh beats Wyatt Lyndaker 8-1, while Dan Walts takes 18 seconds to pin Kyle Simpson and Nathan Walts (130 pounds) earns a pin over Brandon Dicob with 27 seconds left.
VVS gets back into Tri-Valley League action this Wednesday, at New Hartford.