Providence, R.I.—Seniors Christopher McCarthy (Middletown, N.J.) and Aidan Faria (Cumberland, R.I.) each bumped up a weight class and notched a pin and a technical fall, respectively, to help swing momentum and lead Rhode Island College to a come-from-behind, 23-21, win over No. 20 United States Merchant Marine Academy at the Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 23, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 21
Rhode Island College (3-3)
U.S. Merchant Marine (3-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• After the Anchormen secured a forfeit win at 125 lbs. to open the match, USMMA took the next five bouts to build an 18-6 advantage.
 
• McCarthy bumped up a weight class to 174 lbs. and picked up an escape and a quick takedown in the third period to secure a pin and pull the hosts within six points, 18-12.
 
• Faria followed by bumping up from 174 to 184 lbs. and registered a takedown and 12 back points for a first period technical fall win to make it a one-point contest, 18-17.
 
• After sophomore Anthony Fernandez (Nashua, N.H.) gave RIC the lead with a forfeit at 197 lbs., senior Michael Alfonso (Garfield, N.J.) wrestled a great match vs. USMMA senior Reid Garrison (Broadway, Va.), the No. 4-ranked grappler in the nation at 285 lbs., in a losing effort.
 
INDIVIDUAL MATCHES
125 lbs. Robert Stone (RIC) won by forfeit
133 lbs. Wesley Wydick (USMMA) dec. Fred Luchs (RIC), 9-4
141 lbs. Charlie Lausten (USMMA) dec. Sebastian Armstrong (RIC), 3-2
149 lbs. Kiernan Bruen (USMMA) major dec. Eli Silverman (RIC), 10-1
157 lbs. Eddie Pinc (USMMA) tech. fall Dillon Carter (RIC) at 5:14 (17-0)
165 lbs. Austin Manning (USMMA) dec. Scott Lallas (RIC), 9-5
174 lbs. Christopher McCarthy (RIC) pinned Porter Gresko (USMMA) at 5:49
184 lbs. Aidan Faria (RIC) tech. fall Eric DeWald (USMMA) at 2:30 (15-0)
197 lbs. Anthony Fernandez (RIC) won by forfeit
285 lbs. Reid Garrison (USMMA) dec. Michael Alfonso (RIC), 7-1
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will compete at Hunter on Friday, Jan. 10 (4 p.m.).