SV wins six straight bouts to complete comeback

By DEREK PYDA Eagle Staff Writer

January 19, 2006 Last Updated: January 19, 2006 02:14 PM High School

JACKSON TWP — The match seemed to be getting out of hand.

But Seneca Valley wrestling coach Lee Mullett had seen his team pull off a dramatic comeback before.

After eight bouts, the Raiders trailed North Hills, 32-6.

That's when SV reeled off six straight wins to defeat the Indians, 39-32, Wednesday night at Seneca Valley High School.

"We were once down to Hampton, 32-0 before coming back to win," Mullett said following his team's victory, which moved the Raiders to 7-8 overall and 4-3 in section matches.

"This comeback shows that the kids worked very hard," he added. "Every point counts."

With North Hills clinging to a 32-27 edge with just two bouts remaining, the Raiders sent out sophomore Ben Fallon to face Andrew Dice in the 215-pound event.

Fallon made quick work of his opponent, pinning Dice in just 52 seconds.

That triumph gave the Raiders a 33-32 lead and essentially the win because North Hills forfeited the heavyweight bout to Seneca Valley's Phil Mignanelli.

"(Ben) is in his first year of varsity with us," said Mullett. "He's very good on his feet and has been doing a great job."

The Raiders received two decision wins to begin the night with Grant Evans at 103 pounds and Steve Fiato at 112.

But the 6-0 advantage quickly evaporated, as North Hills rolled to six straight wins, which included four pins, a technical fall and a 2-point decision.

"All of our guys from 119 (pounds) to 145 have at least 20 wins," said North Hills coach Jose Martinez. "We've gotten some big leads with those guys this season."

"Most of our inexperience lies between 119 and 145," said Mullett.

But as the match moved into the higher weight classes, it was North Hills' turn to deal with inexperience.

"That's where we have most of our first-year wrestlers," said Martinez.

Junior Dave Kovach began the Raiders' comeback with a third-period pin of Sean Smith in the 152-pound bout.

Austin Kanfoush followed with a pin of North Hills' Sal Re at 160, which cut the Indians' lead to 32-18.

SV's Zach Cahall then managed a 10-3 win over Zach McCarthy before the Raiders received the first of two forfeit wins with Dale DiCicco at 189 pounds.

Fallon followed with the match-clinching pin.

Seneca Valley 39, North Hills 32

103 —

Grant Evans (SV) dec. Rob Redman, 7-4

112 —

Steve Fiato (SV) dec. Rick Miles, 4-2

119 —

Brad DiCaprio (NH) pinned Nick Minton, :54

125 —

Kevin Kyes (NH) pinned Steve Danylo, 4:48

130 —

Alex Martinez (NH) pinned Russ King, 1:52