LIBERTY — The RedHawks have built up a formidable wrestling program over the past few years, building numbers and growing the team. When they hosted the Huguenots on Wednesday afternoon, there were 10 matches between the two teams with just two forfeits in favor of NP.

Despite Liberty’s team size and talent, they had a tough time on the mats against New Paltz, who seemed primed for a dominant performance. Even in matches where the RedHawk wrestlers seemed to be in the lead, their opponents would find ways to quickly and decisively turn the tables in order to earn a pin.

New Paltz won the first six matchups and added two forfeits to boot as they sped out to a 47-0 lead.

Once it got to the 190-pound weight class, Liberty’s Shaun Bickham was able to secure a victory over Logan Brown two minutes and 14 seconds into the match.

After another New Paltz victory in the 215-pound category, Elmer Son Vicente made his way to the mat for his 285-pound matchup. It took less than a minute for Vicente to get the advantage and earn a pinfall victory over Hunter Holmes.

Despite the lop-sided score, Liberty’s wrestlers did a great job in battling against their opponents, and even took two of the three wins in the post-match exhibitions between the two teams.