DURHAM, N.C. – Redshirt junior Josh Finesilver earned his first NCAA Wrestling Championship victory Thursday during the opening day of the national tournament.
The Greenwood Village, Colo., native fell in his opening bout to No. 6 Bryce Andonian of Virginia Tech, but defeated No. 22 Jimmy Hoffman of Lehigh in a wrestleback match to stay alive in postseason action.
Finesilver (7-4) started his day against a familiar foe in Andonian (9-2) as the two had already met earlier this season in an ACC dual. Despite a strong start by Finesilver, Andonian earned back-to-back takedowns to record an early 6-1 lead.