HYANNIS — Last year at this time, the Barnstable Red Raiders wrestling team was celebrating a one-point victory over rival Durfee High.
Last night, Durfee turned the table on the Red & White mat men, defeating its host 39-38, at Barnstable High School. Barnstable is now 5-3 on the season.
Red Raider junior Casey Connor continued his hot streak, grappling his way to a win by technical fall, 17-1, versus the Hilltoppers’ Michael Das Pias in the 126-lb. division, followed by a
victory in the 145-lb. division for Ben Potts. Potts picked up the win by decision versus Durfee’s Don Haynesworth.
Barnstable senior captain Charlie McWilliams defeated Durfee’s Edgar Montalando via the pin, continuing the 152-pounder’s strong winning streak this season (one loss).
In the 170-lb. bracket, Barnstable’s Alex Lopes got the win via pin when he overmatched Durfee’s Nick Pout, followed by a pin from Mike Bertucci in the 195-lb. division over Present Baily.
Senior captains Donnie Mach and Owen Murray both took home wins by pin as well. Mach, in the 220-lb division, pinned Ben Rapseca, while Murray – still unbeaten this season – defeated Misael Mercado in the heavyweight division (285+) to round out the victories for the home team on the evening.
Next up for the Red Raiders: Barnstable heads to the Panther Invitational at Whitman-Hanson High School this Saturday at 10:00 am.
— Sean Walsh is the sports editor for www.capecod.com. His email is [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @coachwalshccbm