CASTLETON, Vt. – The Castleton University wrestling team finished the first half of its season on a strong note, extending its dual-match win streak to six matches by defeating the University of Southern Maine, 21-13, at Glenbrook Gym Saturday.

Mitchell LaFlam became the first wrestler to win 100 matches for the Castleton wrestling program, earning a 5-2 win via decision to open the day and reach the milestone. It was one of seven wins on the day for the Spartans, as they dropped just three bouts en route to victory. Castleton is now 6-2 in dual match action this season after dropping both of its first two matches to nationally-ranked opponents.

Following LaFlam's win at 197, Lucas Morse fell to Jake Peavey at the heavyweight division via fall in 4:51, giving the Huskies a 6-3 edge. Joseph Valentino tied the match for Castleton with a 12-5 win via decision, but a major decision win by Peter Del Gallo at 133 over Nick Camacho put USM ahead again, 10-6. Del Gallo, the No. 2 ranked wrestler in the nation at 125, wrestled up a weight class Saturday.

Trailing 10-6 through four matches, Castleton reeled off five wins in a row, as Cqari Bacote won a 6-3 decision at 141 to get momentum back to the Spartans. Max Tempel followed with a win at 149, 4-1, before Cooper Fleming came from behind late to win his match at 157, 7-6. Michael Angers kept the ball rolling at 165 with a 7-2 win via decision, before Chance LaPier sealed the win for Castleton at 174 with a 9-3 decision victory. Josh Smith capped the day with a win for the Huskies, defeating Jason Hoffman via decision, 5-2.

Castleton returns to the mat January 5 at the Williams College Open. The first matches are slated for 10 a.m.