BELMONT, N.C. — The Belmont Abbey wrestling team remained unbeaten in Conference Carolinas competition by earning two wins over Newberry and Limestone in a doubleheader Wednesday evening at the Wheeler Center.
It was the first home match for the wrestling team since its victory over Montevallo back on November 19, 2024.
The Crusaders earned a 20-14 victory over the Wolves in the opening match and capped it off with a 41-0 victory over the Saints in the nightcap by winning all 10 bouts.
The Abbey won six of the first seven matches against Newberry to help earn the win.
With Wednesday's results, Belmont Abbey improved to 5-4 overall and 5-0 in Conference Carolinas competition. Newberry is now 4-4 and 3-2 in the league while Limestone is 1-5 overall and 1-4 in league play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Belmont Abbey 20, Newberry 14
- The Crusaders got the night started with three straight victories via decision from Brett Balzan (125), Elijah Boyd (133) and Luke Kunath (141).
- Boyd trailed 7-0 in his match early before rallying for an 11-8 win.
- John Carayiannis (149) kept his good run going by earning a win via tech fall over Caelan Alderman of the Wolves.
- Christian Arrington (165) and Maxwell Kiel (174) also earned victories to help seal the match for the Abbey.
- Kiel was making his return to competition for the first time since November.
Belmont Abbey 41, Limestone 0
- Balzan was one of six Crusaders to earn two wins on the night and got the match started with a 15-8 win over Jeremiah Ellis.
- Belmont Abbey won four bouts via major decision from Boyd, Carayiannis, Arrington and Kiel.
- Kunath and Kyler Pickard (184) earned wins via tech fall and Caleb Moore (197) earned a pin in 2:20 over Anthony Goelzer.
- Justin Wright (285) closed out the night with a 3-0 win over Caleb Melton.
UP NEXT
- Belmont Abbey goes on the road to face Mount Olive at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
- The Crusaders' next home match is Friday, January 31 against UNC Pembroke at 7 p.m. in the Wheeler Center.
