Princeton University
Harvard
Sudden Victory Takedown Propels Princeton Wrestling Past Harvard, 20-16
February 03, 2024 | Wrestling
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The Princeton wrestling team engaged in a fierce battle with the Harvard Crimson on Saturday afternoon. In a nail-biting dual, the highlight of the evening, undoubtedly, was the final bout at 157 pounds, where Rocco Camillaci secured a dramatic takedown in sudden victory, clinching the win for the Tigers with a final score of 20-16.
The dual kicked off with action at 165 pounds, as Josh Kim from Harvard secured an 8-2 victory over Blaine Bergey, giving Harvard an early lead of 3-0. At 174 pounds, Philip Conigliaro of Harvard bested Mikey Squires with a 15-3 major decision, extending Harvard's lead to 7-0.
However, the Tigers quickly responded as the momentum shifted in their favor. The tide turned in the Tigers favor with Nate Dugan earning a hard-fought 7-3 decision over Leo Tarantino at 184 pounds, narrowing Harvard's lead to 7-3.
The seesaw battle continued as Luke Stout of the Tigers delivered a commanding performance at 197 pounds, securing a technical fall (18-2) against Alex Whitworth. With this victory, the Tigers took the lead for the first time in the dual, edging ahead 8-7.
In the heavyweight division, Matt Cover extended the Tigers' lead with a huge pin against Nick Marcenelle in just 2 minutes and 20 seconds, putting the Tigers in a strong position at 14-7.
Harvard fought back with determination, as Diego Sotelo secured a crucial 2-0 decision over Drew Heethuis at 125 pounds, closing the gap to 14-10.The Tigers maintained their lead in the following bout, with Sean Pierson securing a hard-fought 10-7 decision over Coleman Nogle at 133 pound.
Tyler Vazquez battled in a close 8-6 loss to Michael Jaffe at 141 pounds, but the dual reached a critical point at 149 pounds, where Jack Crook of Harvard secured a narrow 14-12 decision over Eligh Rivera, bringing the overall score to a tense 17-16 with the Tigers still in the lead.
The spotlight then shifted to the final bout at 157 pounds, where Rocco Camillaci faced off against James Harrington of Harvard. In an exhilarating sudden victory, Camillaci emerged victorious off of a takedown to take a 4-1 win by decision, securing the dual win for the Tigers at 20-16. Camillaci's clutch performance in the final moments sealed the dual in unforgettable fashion.
Scoring Breakdown
165: Josh Kim (Harvard) DEC Blaine Bergey, 8-2; Harvard leads 3-0
174: Philip Conigliaro (Harvard) MD Mikey Squires, 15-3; Harvard leads 7-0
184: Nate Dugan DEC Leo Tarantino (Harvard), 7-3; Harvard leads 7-3
197: Luke Stout TF Alex Whitworth (Harvard), 18-2 5:30; Tigers lead 8-7
285: Matt Cover F Nick Marcenelle (Harvard), 2:20; Tigers lead 14-7
125: Diego Sotelo (Harvard) DEC Drew Heethuis, 2-0; Tigers lead 14-10
133: Sean Pierson DEC Coleman Nogle (Harvard), 10-7; Tigers lead 17-10
141: Michael Jaffe (Harvard) DEC Tyler Vazquez, 8-6; Tigers lead 17-13
149: Jack Crook (Harvard) DEC Eligh Rivera, 14-12; Tigers lead 17-16
157: Rocco Camillaci DEC James Harrington (Harvard), 4-1 Sudden Victory; Tigers win 20-16
Up Next
Princeton will take on Brown Sunday afternoon (2/4) at 1:00 P.M.
Players Mentioned
