Penn State wrestling is making another run for a national title and two of its wrestlers, Beau Bartlett (141) and Levi Hainesย (157), got thrilling wins in the NCAA Quarterfinals Friday afternoon in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
No. 6 Bartlett (23-2) continued Penn Stateโs good vibes a win over No. 3 Cole Matthews (21-1) from Pitt.
This came after Bartlett won in a close 3-2 decision over No. 11 Clay Carlson (23-9) of South Dakota State to make it to the quarterfinals.ย Matthews meanwhile won a close 1-0 decision against No. 14 Northern Iowaโs Cael Happel (17-7) on an escape in the third period.
In their match earlier today, Bartlett upset his rival with a sudden victory to move on to the semifinals. The NCAA put out a nicely edited video showing the win as well as fans reactions. The video can be watched below:
The thrill of sudden victory!
๐บ ESPNU#NCAAWrestling x @pennstateWREST pic.twitter.com/EwgeRsZyuJ
— NCAA Wrestling (@NCAAWrestling) March 17, 2023
Bartlett moves on to the semifinals at 141. Penn State looks to win its 10th national title in 12 years and entered today in first place in the team race with 26 points, edging out Iowa who entered with 21.5 points.
At 157, No. 2 Haines fell behind 8-1 to Virginia Techโs Bryce Andonian. But he fought back to tie the score at eight. Then, late in the third period ย Haines pinned Andonian to move onto the semifinals.
Here is the video.
(2) Levi Haines pins (7) Bryce Andonian to claim All-American status.
๐บ ESPNU#NCAAWrestling x @pennstateWREST pic.twitter.com/eSujW78BBA
— NCAA Wrestling (@NCAAWrestling) March 17, 2023
In the semifinal matches, Haines will have a rematch with Nebraskaโs Peyton Robb, ranked No. 3. Haines beat Robb in a 2-1 sudden victory to win the Big Ten Championship earlier this month.
Bartlett will take on Northern Coloradoโs Andrew Alirez. If Bartlett gets through to the championship, his opponent will likely be Iowaโs Real Woods, who beat Bartlett when Penn State Wrestling took on Iowa at the Bryce Jordan Center in January.
Nittany Sports Now will be sending updates all day from the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Follow along here.
