ROBBINS — Continuing a strong start to its season, the Richmond Senior High School wrestling team impressed in its first dual meet Wednesday.
After a fourth-place finish in their season-opening invitational over the weekend, the Raiders and head coach Andre’ Ellerbe notched a win and a tie at North Moore High School.
Facing two non-conference opponents, Richmond defeated the host Mustangs and finished tied with Central Carolina Academy.
Raiders get first win of season over North Moore
It came down to the wire, but the Raiders held on for a 38-36 win over the North Moore Mustangs.
A dozen of those points came courtesy of two forfeit victories, one each for freshman Edgar Montiel (175-pounds) and sophomore Martin Lopez (190-pounds).
A trio of wrestlers — sophomore Brian Ingram (138-pounds), junior Hayden Smith (157-pounds) and junior Samuel James (285-pounds) — accounted for 18 total points thanks to three pinfall victories.
Ingram pinned Wesley Grant, which was followed by Smith holding Jaxson Spivey to the mat for a victory. In the heavyweight match, James added six points by pinning Jack Hussey.
Combining for the team’s final eight points were freshman Axel Nunez (120-pounds) and sophomore Dylan Nunez (126-pounds).
Axel Nunez earned an 11-5 decision for three points over Kenneth Mills, while Dylan Nunez won via an 18-3 technical fall for five points.
Forfeits pace tie for Raiders with Central Carolina Academy
The Raiders benefitted from several forfeits in their match against the Central Carolina Eagles, which ended in a 42-42 tie.
Six of Richmond’s seven wrestlers who earned a win did so by way of forfeit. Those wrestlers were Dylan Nunez (120), Axel Nunez (126), Ingram (138), Smith (157), Montiel (175) and Lopez (190).
Richmond’s only wrestler to face an opponent and win was James in the 285-pound bout. He notched his second win of the meet with a pinfall victory over Ty Couture.
Central Carolina had to fight for its points, winning five matches via pinfall and adding a dozen points thanks to two forfeits.
The Raiders (1-0-1) will compete in the Scotland High School Tartan Duals Saturday. Matches will start at 9 a.m.
