From NYU Athletics
Nathan Pike of the New York University wrestling team won his semifinal match at the 2017 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship and clinched a spot in the finals for the second-straight year. Pike is one of four NYU grapplers competing at the event, which is being hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, WI.
Pike, the second seed at 133 pounds, won via an 8-6 decision over third-seeded and previously undefeated Chris Williams of Millikan University. He will take on fifth-seeded Jay Albis of Johnson & Wales University in the championship bout. Albis reached the finals with after upsetting top-seed Troy Stanich of Stevens Institute of Technology, 7-6.
Blaise Benderoth, who last night became the first NYU freshman to earn All-America status, fell in his semifinal bout and take medical forfeits in his consolation matches due to a nagging injury. He will finish the tournament in sixth place.
Mid-way through session three, NYU has recorded 24.5 team points and is in 14th place of the 68 teams represented at the event.