Boise State tops CSUB in wrestling

Thursday, December 14th, 2006 Bakersfield Californian news article

MERIDIAN, Idaho -- In what might turn out to be the most exciting dual of the 2006-07 season, Boise State edged Cal State Bakersfield in each teams' Pac-10 opener 21-18 Thursday.

The match featured two upsets as far as the current Pac-10 rankings are concerned, and both went in favor of the Roadrunners. Brandon Zoetewey turned in a 6-2 win over No. 6 Cory Fish at 125 pounds which will almost undoubtedly move the sophomore into the rankings next week. At 165 pounds, Daniel Atondo, ranked No. 5 in the Pac-10, pinned No. 3 Luke Smith for the other upset.

"This was a very exciting dual that came down to the last match," CSUB assistant coach Mike Mendoza said. "We were winning, then losing, then winning, then losing, and it came down to the last match before it was decided. (Senior heavyweight Eric) Parker ended up losing on riding time, and that was the difference. It really was that close."

Boise State wrestler and conference ranked Matt Casperson picked up a 13-8 decision over Ernesto Ancona to tie the score at 18-18 and set up a thrilling heavyweight match between No. 3 Andy Patrick of Boise State and Bakersfield's Parker, ranked No. 4 in the Pac-10.

Parker escaped with 27 seconds to go in the match. But Patrick had picked up enough riding time to earn the extra point and a 9-8 decision over Parker, giving Boise State the 21-18 win.

The Roadrunners' next competition comes on Dec. 20 at the Reno Tournament of Champions.