Cal Poly Edges Cardinal

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – A fall by Cal Poly heavyweight Trevor Tinker was the difference as the Mustangs edged No. 24 Stanford, 18-15, Friday, in Mott Athletics Center.

Stanford is now 6-6 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 duals, while Cal Poly (7-6) remains undefeated in the conference action at 4-0. The Cardinal and Mustangs each won five matches, but Tinker's first-period fall over Peter Ming in the final bout propelled Cal Poly past Stanford.

Nico Provo got the Cardinal on the board first with a 9-2 decision over Koda Holeman at 125 pounds. Ranked No. 16, Provo trailing 2-1 after one, Holeman deferred and Provo chose down to start the second. The freshman escaped and scored a takedown to go up 4-2 heading into the final frame. Holeman chose neutral and Provo went to work, recording a takedown, two back points and the riding time point. He is now 18-6 overall and 6-4 in duals.

After Cal Poly took a 6-3 lead, No. 11 Jaden Abas knotted the score by shutting out No. 25 Dom Demas, 4-0, at 149 pounds. The reigning Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week, Abas scored a takedown in the first, an escape to start the second and secured the riding time point. The redshirt junior improves to 21-4 on the season and 8-2 in duals.

Daniel Cardenas returned to the Cardinal lineup for the first time since Jan. 2, posting a 6-2 decision over Luka Wick at 157 pounds. Ranked in the top 10 nationally earlier this season, the true freshman took a 2-0 lead into the second period. Wick deferred and Cardenas chose down to start the second where he escaped and notched another takedown. Wick chose up to begin the third and Cardenas escaped for a 6-0 lead before giving up an inconsequential takedown. He is now 19-1 overall and 4-0 in duals.

Redshirt senior Shane Griffith earned his sixth consecutive win with a 2-0 decision over Legend Lamer at 165 pounds. Ranked No. 3, Griffith earned an escape in the second and rode out his opponent in the third to move to a team-best 22-1 overall and 10-1 in duals. 

Ranked No. 25 at 174 pounds, Tyler Eischens capped off Stanford's scoring with an 8-3 decision over Brawley Lamer. Tied 2-2, Lamer deferred and Eischens went down. After earning an escape and another takedown, he held a 5-2 advantage to start the third. He gave up the escape, but scored another takedown and finished with riding time to improve to 20-6 overall ad 9-3 in duals.

Stanford closes out its dual season on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Oregon State.
 

Cal Poly 18, No. 24 Stanford 15