DURHAM, N.C. — The 2025–26 campaign kicked off with intensity and grit as the Sacred Heart men's wrestling team went toe-to-toe with ACC foe Duke on Saturday afternoon inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Pioneers delivered statement wins across the middle weights, showcasing a lineup filled with toughness and fight as they opened the new season on the road.
Dual Records:
Sacred Heart (0-1)
Duke (1-0)
Individual Results:
133:
Braxton Fries-Appello (SHU) def. John King (Duke), 18-2 (3:00) technical fall
141:
John Hildebrandt (SHU) def. Raymond Adams (Duke), 3-2 decision
149:
Dakota Asuncion (SHU) def. SP O'Donnell (Duke), 17-5 major decision
157:
Felix Lettini (SHU) def. Mikey Boulanger (Duke), 7-6 decision
165: Aurelius Dunbar (Duke) def.
AJ Falcone (SHU), 4-2 decision
174: Aidan Wallace (Duke) def. Aiden Zarrella (SHU), 5-4 (OT)
184: Gaetano Console (Duke) def.
Eric Wolf (SHU), 21-5 technical fall (5:16)
197:
Chris DeLena (SHU) def. Owen McGrory (Duke), 10-6 decision
HWT: Connor Barket (Duke) def.
Brendan Gilchrist (SHU), 19-2 technical fall (5:36)
Of Note:
- At 133 pounds, Fries-Appello wasted no time making a statement, exploding for an 18-2 technical fall in just three minutes
- Hildebrandt earned his first win as a Pioneer at 141 pounds.
- Asuncion took over his 149-pound bout, piling up points for a 17-5 major decision that had the Pioneers bench on its feet.
- Lettini gutted out a thrilling 7-6 decision after trading leads throughout the match.
- DeLena used a strong finish and pressure to earn a 10-6 decision over his Blue Devil opponent.
Up Next:
The Pioneers are back in action on Nov. 9 as they take part in the Journeyman Classic Tournament in Bethlehem, Pa.
