The Cyclone faithful were on their feet during many Cyclone matches, but the loudest cheer came after Moreno's 8-2 decision over Matt Stephens at 157 pounds. Previously Moreno had struggled with just a 1-7 record overall, but he feels the win can boost his confidence as Iowa State heads into two Big 12 bouts.
"It's definitely a confidence builder," Moreno said. "And winning is contagious so hopefully it sets off a whole string of them."
Moreno posted a reversal with 30 seconds remaining in the first period to tie it up at 2-2 and from there controlled the match and racked up 1:12 riding time. Relief spread across Moreno's face as those in cardinal and gold gave him a standing ovation.
Redshirt freshman Luke Goettl also received a standing ovation after an upset victory over No. 11 Zach Neibert. With 40 secs left in the first period, Goettl posted a reversal after Neibert had a cradle nearly set. Goettl continued his momentum into the second period with an early escape after a missed ankle pick by Neibert. The Clarkdale, Ariz., native's win extended the Cyclone lead to 6-5 after three matches.
"It's nice to get the win over a ranked kid," Goettl said. "It was also a revenge match and I hate to lose."
Cyclone captain Andrew Sorenson dominated his match against No. 7 Pete Yates with a 17-4 major decision. Fifth-ranked Sorenson posted four takedowns and racked up five near fall points in the top-10 matchup.
At 125 pounds, Ryak Finch edged past Ty Mitch 2-0 to give Iowa State an early meet lead.
With a two point lead the Cyclones depended on Matt Gibson to finish the dual out at heavyweight. Gibson ended the night with an exclamation point by posting a 11-1 major decision over Chris Penny.
The Cyclones return to Big 12 action Jan. 20 in Norman, Okla., at 7 p.m. (CST) against No. 7 Oklahoma.
Results:
125: No. 12 Ryak Finch (ISU) dec. Ty Mitch (VT), 2-0
133: No. 1 Devin Carter (VT) tech fall RJ Hallman (ISU), 23-8, 6:38
141: Luke Goettl (ISU) dec. No. 11 Zach Neibert (VT), 6-2
149: Chris Mears (VT) dec. Luke Swalla (ISU), 10-4
157: Michael Moreno (ISU) dec. Matt Stephens (VT), 8-2
165: No. 5 Andrew Sorenson (ISU) Mdec. No. 7 Pete Yates (VT), 17-4
174: Chris Moon (VT) dec. Mikey England (ISU), 6-4
184: No. 16 Boaz Beard (ISU) dec. John Dickson (VT), 11-8
197: Nick Vetterlein (VT) dec. Cole Shafer (ISU), 6-4 (SV1)
285: No. 18 Matt Gibson (ISU) Mdec. Chris Penny (VT), 11-1
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