Seniors Shine

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford's seniors stole the show in the Cardinal's final home dual of the season, a 32-5 rout of Cal Poly, Sunday, at Maples Pavilion.

The Cardinal won nine of the 10 bouts en route to a perfect 6-0 record in home duals this season. Stanford (9-3) finished 3-1 in the Pac-12 Conference, while Cal Poly dropped to 0-8 overall and 0-3 in the Pac-12.

Stanford head coach Jason Borrelli, now in his 11th season at the helm of the program, registered his 106th career win making him the winningest coach in school history.

All four Cardinal seniors in the lineup earned wins on Sunday. The full group of seven - Nainoa Calvo, Walker Dempsey, Austin Flores, Paul Fox, Mason Pengilly, Brian Rossi and Rico Stormer - were recognized with a ceremony during the 10 minute intermission.

One last time in Maples. ??

The @CardWrestling seniors were honored during intermission in their last home match.

Watch #Pac12Wrestle on Pac-12 Now: https://t.co/b4rwqvTzKK pic.twitter.com/xDPGAcg91C

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) February 17, 2019

Wrestling for just the second time this season, Rossi earned registered a 4-2 decision over Benny Martinez at 125 pounds. His two takedowns in the opening period would be the difference. It was Rossi's first win since Feb. 12, 2017 as the Homer Glen, Illinois, native has struggled with injuries late in his career. 

Pengilly turned in a hard-fought 3-1 decision against Yoshito Funakoshi at 133 pounds. There was no score after the first period and Funakoshi chose down to start the second. Pengilly tallied two near fall points in the period before Funakoshi earned the escape. Pengilly tacked on an escape in the final period to move to 10-4 overall and 7-1 in duals.

Fox held off redshirt freshman Brawley Lamer, 4-3, at 157 pounds. Fox scored a takedown in the first and led 2-1 after one. Lamer rode his out in the second and then chose top to start the third. Fox registered a reversal and then defended well late in the final period for the win. He is now 20-8 overall and earned his 94th career win as a Cardinal.

Stormer posted an 11-2 major decision against Nathan Tausch at 174 pounds. There was no score in the opening period and Stormer chose down to start the second. After he notched the escape, Stormer scored a takedwon and turned Tausch for four near fall points before the second period expired. Stormer added an escape, another takedown and 1:34 of riding time to improve to 17-11 overall and 8-4 in duals this season.

The only points the Cardinal gave up on the afternoon came at 184 pounds, where freshman Colbey Harlan had to injury default in the first period. 

The dual ended at 197 pounds, where No. 12 Nathan Traxler was up against 2018 NCAA qualifier Tom Lane. Traxler held a 4-0 lead after the first period as he scored the first takedown and then chose neutral after Lane had to use injury time. Traxler scored on a double-leg and rode Lane until time ran out. Lane chose top to start the second and Traxler was unable to escape during the period. Traxler went nuetral in the third, but Lane scored a takedown to cut his lead to 4-2. With riding time locked up for Lane, he earned another point as Traxler was hit for stallilng, essentially tying the match at 4-4. However, Traxler was finally awarded an escape as the buzzer sounded in the final period for the 5-4 decision. 

Cal Poly head coach Jon Sioredas was out on the mat in protest during the final seconds between Traxler and Lane. The Mustangs were docked one team points for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Stanford wraps up its dual season next week, traveling to No. 6 Nebraska on Feb. 23.
 

Stanford 32, Cal Poly 5