Just over a week into the season, the Middlesex Wrestling team has captured their second exciting win, with a gritty, well balanced victory over ISL foe Nobles and Greenough School of Needham, Mass.

Senior Jivan Purutyan was outstanding, starting the match off at 160 lbs.  He pinned his opponent, also a senior, in 56 seconds becoming the match recipient of The Quickest Pin. Gordon Hargraves took the first takedown, and was inches from securing the pin, when the events unfolded and the tables turned resulting a second period pin for Nobles.

Senior Co-Captain Nick Agee had determination and top position technique, executing three takedowns and finalizing the pin in the first period, while wrestling up one weight class. David Wong began the first period in good form, but the bottom position work would be the ultimate decision maker, resulting in a pin, and the score was again tied 12-12.

Andrew Zhang wrestled up at 220 lbs and had an excellent match, working several takedowns, good top position, and great escape form.  This 10-3 match brought the score back into the Middlesex lead 15-12.  After a tough matchup with the top four New England heavyweight placer from last year, the bottom of the order resumed with an exciting pin by Naomi Hunt. With the crowd puzzled over the non-call for the first period pin, Naomi wrestled the full six minutes, finally getting the pin with one second left in the match.

Freshman Dante Gutbrod  claimed the next victory with a solid 6-0 victory getting close to a pin as time ran out.  Michael Acevedo was well prepared for his match, but had to settle for a forfeit, netting the team a valuable six points.  Ted Pyne was aggressive and focused during his 6-2 victory.  He utilized the time to work on his several takedown positions getting him prepared for the last push before the holiday break.

Junior Marcus Coward worked hard to stay out of pinning combinations while wrestling up a full weight class.  His effort staved off any comeback attempt and set the stage for senior co-captain Gavin Fujimori, who also wrestled up one weight class, to work his magic. He was systematic and relentless in the last scoring match, finalizing the team score at 39-34 and netting the pin in one minute twenty seconds.  Also, of note were two excellent victories in exhibition matches by Gordon Hargraves and Peter Daichman, both gaining control with first period takedowns and eventual pins.

The team showed great focus and great movement, resulting in a rewarding ISL victory!