The St. Andrews Presbyterian College wrestling team scored its first dual match win in Harris Court since December of 2007 with a 36-10 dismantling of Spartanburg Methodist College on Tuesday evening.

Freshman Greg Polhemus and junior Andre Ellerbe posted back-to-back wins by pin to highlight the Knights (2-6) 26-point victory over the Pioneers (0-8).

Sophomore Josh Tegard set the pace from the onset for St. Andrews with a 10-4 decision over freshman Luke Campbell. Tegard (6-10) controlled the lightweight bout with three takedowns, a reversal, and a near fall for his first career dual match victory.

Junior Casey Gashaw doubled up the Knights lead, 6-0, with a close 2-1 decision over freshman Christopher Jones. Both grapplers earned a point with an escape but Gashaw was awarded the winning point after Jones used an illegal scissor move to the head for a penalty point. Gashaw (9-7) moves over .500 in dual matches with a 4-3 ledger.

In the 141 pound tilt, freshman Brian Beatson ran up the score quick and often to increase SAPC’s lead to 11-0 with a 17-2 technical fall over freshman Andrew Tillman. Beatson had four take downs and almost had a pin in both the first and second periods earning an extra six back points. Beatson (5-5) improves to 2-1 in dual matches.

Spartanburg Methodist got on the board in the fourth match of the night as freshman Nicholas Voss tallied a 15-2 major decision over freshman Luke Olsen at 149 to cut the deficit to 11-4.

After a stagnant first period, freshman Sterling Perry got on the board in the 157 bout with a crucial takedown with four seconds left in the second period. Perry (8-10) then built up riding time for the 3-0 shutout over freshman Jonathan Patterson (who was on a three dual match win streak) for his first collegiate dual-match win providing SAPC with a 10-point advantage, 14-4, at the halfway intermission.

Freshman Richard Manwarren tacked on four more team points for the Knights with a 13-5 major decision at 165. Manwarren (9-12) used three takedowns, a reversal, a near fall, and nearly four minutes of riding time against freshman Aaron Brooks.

The Pioneers stayed within striking distance as freshman Alex Tozzolino won his fifth straight dual match with a 1:42 pin over freshman Davin Morris. Tozzolino’s win closed the gap to 18-10.

Polhemus righted the ship for the Knights with a dominating pin in the 184-pound match decking freshman William Anderton in four minutes and 10 second. Polhemus (6-15) had two takedowns before posting the second period fall for his first collegiate dual match win.



After sophomore Justin Hoover earned a forfeit win at 197, Ellerbe put the finishing touches on the Knights victory with a 4:13 pin in the heavyweight finale. Ellerbe (6-8) moves over .500 at 4-3 with his second straight pin in a dual match.

St. Andrews will next travel to local regional foe UNC Pembroke on Friday at 7 p.m.