ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Army West Point Wrestling rode early match wins and withstood multiple runs from the Navy Midshipmen at Navy's Alumni Hall to win the Star on Friday night, defeating its arch-rival 18-17 in the dual match.
The Black Knights even the Army-Navy Star Series Presented by USAA, 9-9-1 with the Wrestling win.
Nate Lukezbegun the dual with a triumphant, 11-1 major decision in the 157lb division. The Black Knights followed with a signature win in the 165lb when Gunner Filipowicz won a 5-4 thriller over star Midshipman Andrew Cerniglia—who came into the duel with 15 consecutive wins.
After Ben Pasiuk extended Army's team lead to 10-0, the Midshipmen trimmed the lead to 10-9 off three consecutive match wins, including a sudden victory in the heavyweight bout.
The Black Knights however would answer with a technical fall from Ethan Berginc in the 125lb match, and a 5-4 thriller in the 133lb from Braden Basile.
Army's 18-9 lead was robust enough at that point to stand, even in spite of a pair of Navy major decisions to conclude the dual.
The win is Army's first over Navy since 2020. The Black Knights also move to 6-4 in dual meets this season, and 5-1 in the EIWA.
Army Wrestling Wins Star in Annapolis
Army West Point Wrestling rode early match wins and withstood multiple runs from the Navy Midshipmen at Navy's Alumni Hall to win the Star on Friday night, defeating its arch-rival 18-17 in the dual match.