Courtesy of Shippensburg Athletics

Shay, Shoemaker notch pins at 157 and 197

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University wrestling team opened its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) slate with a loss to Millersville University Thursday at Heiges Field House, 32-12.

Shippensburg (4-1, 0-1 PSAC) dug itself into an early 18-0 hole with loses in the first four matchups, but were able to salvage an otherwise difficult night with thrilling third period pins from graduate student Avery Shay (New Fairfield, Ct./New Fairfield (Clarion)) at 157 pounds and freshman Trey Shoemaker (Lewistown, Pa./Mifflin County) at 197.

Millersville (3-1, 1-0 PSAC) picked up a forfeit win at 125 and got a close 4-3 decision from Tim Uhler in a pivotal matchup at 141 to help stake itself to the commanding early edge. The Marauders then rode victories from the likes of NCAA Championship qualifiers Brandon Connor at 165, Anthony Giampietro at 184 and others to earn the dual meet win.

Following the rough start, Shay was temporarily able to stem the tide with an action-packed win over Millersville’s Johnny Parrilla.

After a scoreless opening three minutes, Shay finally broke through Parrilla’s air-tight defense to score the initial takedown midway through the second period.

A five point move by Parrilla had Shay in peril at the conclusion of the second frame, but Shay made the miscue a moot point, catching Parrilla and planting him on his back for an exciting third period pin.

Shoemaker later got the Heiges crowd on its feet for a second time during his matchup against Millersville’s Lucas Doyle at 197.

After initially falling behind, Shoemaker began his comeback with a second period reversal. The climb got steeper after he allowed a takedown to start the third. But from the bottom position, Shoemaker used his long arms to lock in a cradle, then used his strength to turn his opponent for an emphatic pin.

With the win, the freshman improved his individual record to 10-1 on the campaign, including eight pins and bonus points in nine of his 10 victories.

Freshman Owen Koch (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville) scored a takedown of Giampietro in his match at 184, before ultimately succumbing via tech fall to his more experienced opponent.

The Raider lineup was also missing a pair of vital bookends in graduate Tyshawn White (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin (Clarion/Lock Haven/Glenville State)) and redshirt junior Danny Scheib (Hegins, Pa./Tri-Valley) in what was their first dual meet loss of the season Thursday.

Shippensburg is scheduled to return to action Jan. 7at the Manganaro Duals hosted by Ursinus College.