Some coaches put a lot of stock in moral victories. Coach Joel Greenlee isn't sure about that philosophy.
After his team fell 19-16 to No. 25 Kent State, Greenlee was quick to point out that a loss is still a loss.
Obviously
I'm very proud of the way we wrestled he said. But by no means can we be satisfied with that.
The Bobcats (16-7, 2-2 Mid-American Conference) slumped out of the gate with two losses at 125- and 133-pound weight classes before 141-pounder Albert Madsen's 16-6 major decision put Ohio on the board. The teams went back and forth until the match at 174 pounds, where Ohio's Antoine Love registered a fall just 1:35 into the match, giving the 'Cats a 16-9 lead.
Love, who had been out of action the last two meets, got back into a rhythm quickly, Greenlee said.
I thought he performed great Greenlee said. He had been on the skids the last few matches
so this was good.
The lead didn't last long, however, as the Golden Flashes (15-2, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) rattled off three straight wins to secure the victory.
Ohio heavyweight Marcus Adelman was unable to wrestle for the 'Cats because a bad back. Joe Ellwood, who hadn't wrestled since December, started in his place.
Love said watching the lead he helped build slip away was tough to do.
It was just a shame
he said. With the way we wrestled we still have to be happy. It's gratifying but not satisfying.
On Friday, Ohio was able to rely on Adelman to close out a win over West Virginia (3-4).
With Ohio clinging to a 19-16 lead, Adelman was able to score on the Mountaineers' Dustin Rogers and ride out a 4-2 decision. The win marked the third straight meet that came down to Adelman's match ' something Greenlee said he's fine with.
I feel pretty good about sending Marcus out there
he said. For a heavyweight
he can wrestle on his feet with anyone.
The 22-16 Bobcat win was set up by Seth Morton's major decision at 125 pounds and 133-pound Terry Jackson's 7-3 decision. The 'Cats expanded their lead with pins from Madsen and 165-pounder Jacob Ison. Madsen was slated to face No. 11 Brandon Rader, but the highly touted Mountaineer was ruled out because of illness.
Adelman, who sat and watched all those early victories, said he's getting used to waiting around.
Ninety percent of the time it'll come down to the last match
he said. You just have to hang around and be ready to go by the time it comes up.
QUICK STATS
OHIO 22, WEST VIRGINIA 16
Friday
Morgantown, W. Va.
WVU Shell Building
KENT STATE 19, OHIO 16
Sunday
Kent
MAC Center
17
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