By JOHN CORYER
PERU — When Jacob Major pinned his opponent at 285 pounds Saturday afternoon, it gave the Peru wrestling team a 30-23 lead over visiting Amsterdam.
There were four matches still remaining, it was all but over as the Indians had two defending Division II state champions yet to take the mat.
Jake Goddeau and Arik Robinson didn't disappoint at 103 and 112 pounds, respectively, as they recorded pins to seal Peru's 45-27 victory in non-conference action.
"They've (Amsterdam) had a stranglehold on us the last three years — they pounded us during that time," said Peru co-head coach Mike Hogan.
"They're a younger team this year, but this was a good win for us."
Peru, which improved to 10-1 overall in dual meets, held a 24-23 lead before Major pinned his opponent in 1:13.
"That pin helped a lot," Hogan said. "We still had four matches to go, but we weren't planning on having two defending state champions lose."
Brandon Lapi recorded a 15-1 decision at 96 pounds to pull the Rams to within 30-27.
But, Goddeau and Robinson combined to spend a total of 2:20 on the mat as Goddeau pinned his man in 1:19 and Robinson took care of his foe in 1:01 to make it 42-27.
The best match of the day, however, was saved for the end when Peru's Alex Pugh stayed on top of Gaetario Lanzi for the entire third to remain in a 2-all tie before winning, 4-2, in overtime.
"Pugh gutted it out," said Peru co-head coach Gary Edwards. "Our team wrestled well.
"It's always a good match-up for us against Amsterdam. They're a well-coached team."
The Indians jumped out to an early 21-0 lead when Noah Phillips won by fall in 2:32 at 125, Patrick Hogan by forfeit at 130, Troy Seymour by pin in 4:52 at 135 and Jacob Bell by an 8-2 decision at 140.
The Rams, however, were winners in four of the next six matches to pull to within 24-23.
Dan Palmerino posted a 4-1 decision at 145, Mike Garrison recorded a 10-2 decision at 152 and Guiseppi Lanzi was a forfeit winner at 160 as Amsterdam rallied back to within 21-13.
Brandon Allen then stemmed the tide for Peru with a 10-7 win at 171 to put the Indians back up by 11 points.
But, Amsterdam cut it to one when Josh Soper won a 10-0 decision at 189 and Ken Garcia via forfeit at 215.
—
Peru 45, Amsterdam 27
125- N. Phillips (P) pinned Olivera, 2:32.
130- Hogan (P) won by forfeit.
135- Seymour (P) pinned Tatun, 4:52.
140- Bell (P) dec. Bielawa, 8-2.
145- Palmerino (A) dec. Stickle, 4-1.
152- Garrison (A) dec. Lovejoy, 10-2.
160- Gu. Lanzi (A) won by forfeit.
171- Moore (P) dec. Giaquinto, 10-7.
189- Soper (A) dec. Way, 10-0.
215- Garcia (A) won by forfeit.
285- Major (P) pinned Rodriquez, 1:03.
96- Lapi (A) dec. Agoney, 15-1.
103- Goddeau (P) pinned Alejandro, 1:19.
112- Robinson (P) pinned Caraballo, 1:01.
119- Pugh (P) dec. Ga. Lanzi, 4-2, overtime.
