CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton wrestling team rebounded from four consecutive bout losses to edge Ithaca College, 17-15, as the Spartans claimed each of the final three bouts at the Armbar, hosted by Journeymen Wrestling Sunday afternoon.

No. 7 Drew Marchese opened the dual at 125 pounds for the Spartans with an explosive 14-2 major decision victory, putting Castleton up 4-0. The Bombers answered with a 4-2 decision from No. 14 Jay McDonnell at 133 pounds against Stone Farnsworth, cutting the Spartans' lead to one. At 141 pounds, Nicolas Balella fought in a tough 7-4 decision loss to No. 11 Isaias Torres as Ithaca took a 6-4 lead. Joseph Kennedy was bested at 149 pounds, falling 5-0 via decision, with the Bombers taking a 9-4 lead. No. 9 Nathaniel Camiscioli fell in a tight 3-1 decision to Akio Sanders at 157 pounds, pushing Ithaca's lead to 12-4

Jashon Holmes halted the momentum, giving the Spartans four more points with a 14-3 major decision win at 165 pounds over Brian Bienus. At 174 pounds, Joseph Baker matched up with No. 3 Konrad Parker, falling 11-6 via major decision, as Ithaca rebuilt its lead to 15-8. Desmond McLaughlin edged Xavier Pommells 6-5 at 184 pounds, trimming the deficit to four (15-11). Josh Negron took down Ryan Galka 7-2 via decision at 197 pounds, bringing Castleton within one with one bout left, and earning his 100th career win. Keonta Crawford sealed the dual at 285 pounds in dramatic fashion. In a winner-take-all matchup against Kamdyn Dorchester, Crawford scored a takedown with 18 seconds remaining and added an escape point to secure a 5-3 decision, clinching the 17-15 victory for the Spartans.

The team will participate in split-squad competition again this upcoming weekend. One group will travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the NWCA National Duals on January 9-10, while the remaining wrestlers will compete at the Manganaro Duals on Saturday, January 10, at 10 a.m.