Wrestling Mocs rally past UNCG

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team pulled off a come-from-behind 20-18 road win over UNC Greensboro on Saturday to remain undefeated and take sole possession of first place in the Southern Conference.

"Today was a good win," UTC coach Heath Eslinger said. "We didn't look sharp today, but the guys came out with the win.

"We've got to get more consistent in how we wrestle."

The Mocs (8-9, 2-0), who won the SoCon regular season last year but watched UNCG win the league tournament, trailed 15-5 with their only points on a 17-2 technical fall by Cody Cleveland at 141 pounds.

UTC began its comeback when sophomore Josh Condon claimed an 8-6 decision at 157 pounds.

Wins by Dan Waddell at 165 and Brandon Wright by a 3-2 score over defending SoCon champ Byron Sigmon at 174 pulled the Mocs within a point of the Spartans with two matches remaining.

No. 19-ranked Jason McCroskey took on Elija Adams at 184, and McCroskey's pin at 2:45 put UTC up 20-15 and into the lead for good.

"Bonus points are huge for us, and Jason went out there and got the pin when we needed it," Eslinger said.

Eslinger said the effort of the team's veterans, particularly junior McCrosky and senior Cleveland, made the difference against the Spartans.

"Those guys are upperclassmen, and that's what you expect from them," he said.

With the victory, the Mocs are the only undefeated team in the conference heading into today's match at Appalachian State.

"We need more intensity," Eslinger said. "Every time we step on the mat we need to bring and attitude with us. We didn't do that [at UNCG], and that's something we need to get better at."

UTC will wrap up the regular season at home next weekend with matches against Davidson on Saturday and VMI on Sunday before heading to Boone, N.C., for the conference tournament.

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