This was a case of things just falling our way. #16 versus #24 is not like football/basketball rankings so more difficult to interpret -- it really does depend on individual matchups -- a Pin (6 pts) counts as 2 regular decision victories (3 pts). You could each win 5 matches but with two pins win the dual by 6 pts. We got two unexpected Pins at 141 /157.
Expectations would be closer to 21-11 type score in favor of VT. We won 9 matches out of 10 with lots of bonus points. Expectations were closer to 6 or 7 matches.

We got a surprise throw and pin at 141, when we were losing the match. I think the 149 victory was mild, but pleasant surprise. 133 and 157 was a guess, but BC out muscled the guy and bear hugged him so hard he fell backwards and got surprise pinned. That and we got a lot of bonus points (I think 6 matches were in bonus) in other weight classes. We only lost a TF at 125 but won ALL other 9 weight classes.

Let's just say we win 157 and lose 141 by regular decision instead of the sudden crazy pins -- the score would have been 28 - 8. Add in a win at another weight class for UVa and you are at 25-11. Take away some bonus and it would be closer to what was expected.

However, at the end of the daythis was the first match of the season where we had our full strength line-up. And Sleigh and Miller started late and their conditioning seems improved by a lot. Also, this was after the brutal Southern Scuffle. Based on the performance at Southern Scuffle and the dominating performance at VA Duals we seem to be revving up at the right moment. We are closer to a #10 ranking IMHO if we continue to perform like this.


[Post edited by Hokie Flyer at 01/14/2019 10:02AM]