Alamosa, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies put together a dominant performance Friday night, rolling past Western Colorado 34-2 in a home dual at Plachy Hall.
Adams State won nine of the 10 bouts, surrendering only a decision at heavyweight, as the Grizzlies controlled the action from the opening whistle.
No. 2-ranked Isaiah Gamez set the tone at 125 pounds, earning a 10-5 decision to give Adams State an early lead. Gamez used a pair of takedowns, a near fall, and strong top control to keep momentum firmly on the Grizzlies' side and score three team points.
Jakob Romero made a statement for the Grizzlies at 133 pounds, recording one of the team's two technical falls with a 19-4 victory in 5:45. Two first-period takedowns swung momentum in Romero's favor, and he never let it go.
At 141 pounds, Kieran Thompson secured an 11-3 major decision, fueled by a busy first period. Thompson scored all but two of his points in the opening three minutes, highlighted by three takedowns.
In the lowest-scoring bout of the night, No. 3-ranked Aaden Valdez earned a 2-0 decision over No. 11 Vinny Cabral at 157 pounds. Valdez scored an escape in the third period and added a riding-time point, fending off a late push from Cabral as time expired.
Malachi Rider added the second technical fall of the night at 165 pounds, rolling to a 22-6 win in 5:10. Rider piled up three takedowns in each of the first two periods and finished the match with another early in the third.
Wrestling at 174 pounds, Levi Deaguero picked up a 4-1 decision after a scoreless opening period. He surrendered two escapes but answered with one of his own and a takedown to secure the win.
Mahkyi Smith added an 11-2 major decision at 184 pounds. Smith opened with an early takedown and maintained control before finishing with two more takedowns in the third period.
The final Grizzly winner was Ben Tonnéssen at 197 pounds. Two first-period takedowns and a third-period escape helped Tonnéssen secure a 7-1 decision to cap the team's scoring.
The Grizzlies will continue at home next Wednesday when they face New Mexico Highlands for their final RMAC dual of the season.
