BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The Long Island University wrestling team closed out the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 22, taking on Sacred Heart University in an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association dual inside the Pratt Recreation Center. Two early forfeits were too much for the Sharks to overcome, falling by a 36-6 final.
 
LIU honored its two graduating seniors prior to the match, recognizing Dan McClure and Dominick Demarco for their devotion and leadership to the program.
 
The Sharks were forced to forfeit the opening two bouts and the Pioneers outmatched the Sharks early, winning the first two contested bouts by major decision and pinfall. Demarco put up a battle at 157 but ultimately came up just short by a 4-2 decision as Sacred Heart took a 25-0 lead at the midway point.
 
Following a tech fall at 165, James Langan battled Joe Accousti for three periods but again came up just short by a 3-2 decision. McClure nearly pulled off an upset at 184 when he took 32nd-ranked Kyle Davis to overtime. Despite gaining an advantageous position early in the extra period, Davis found a way to earn the takedown and the 8-6 victory.
 
Mark Malico dominated Nick Fierro at 197 to give LIU some momentum, earning a 7-3 decision despite leading by as many as seven points for much of the bout. Maguire Horl closed out the match with a 4-2 decision over Dante Del Bonis after Del Bonis was penalized twice for during the third period, once for three cautions and once for stalling.
 
The Sharks will return to the mat in two weeks at the EIWA Championship hosted by Lehigh University. Fans can purchase tickets to the event and view the full tournament website by visiting LIUAthletics.com.