March 15, 2012
Three Virginia wrestlers opened the NCAA Championships with first-round wins Thursday, but all six qualifiers ended the day in the consolation bracket.
Matt Snyder (No. 11, 125) edged his first opponent with :35 seconds remaining to win 3-2. He lost by the same score to Ohio State's Johnni DiJulius in his second match and will meet Jared Germaine of Eastern Michigan in wrestlebacks Friday.
Nick Nelson (No. 7, 141) advanced to the second round with a 1-0 decision before falling to Virginia Tech's Zach Neibert in the second round. He beat Neibert in a dual match in November.
Jon Fausey (No. 12, 184) earned a major decision 9-0 to open the tournament and lost a heart breaker in the second round to Kevin Steinhaus of Kent State. Steinhaus scored a take down with four seconds left to win 7-6.
Matt Nelson, UVa's 133 pounder, dropped his first match of the day and won 6-2 to stay alive in consolation action. At 149, Gus Sako advances to competition Friday after his scheduled opponent, Mario Mason of Rutgers, took a medical forfeit in the consolation match. At 165, Nick Sulzer won his wrestleback match in OT to keep his season alive.
After two sessions, the Cavaliers are in 23rd place with 12 points. Reigning champion Penn State leads with 35 points. Session 3 begins at 11 a.m. EST on Friday.
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