HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Redshirt junior Neal Richards pinned both competitors he faced Sunday, but it wasn’t enough as the VMI wrestling team was defeated by Northern Colorado (35-9) and host Hofstra University (28-15) in nonconference dual matches hosted by Hofstra on Long Island.

Richards downed Trenton Schultz from NCU by fall in 4:28, while it took him just 25 seconds to pin Sage Heller of Hofstra. He is now 14-3 on the season with seven straight wins and a 9-0 mark in dual competition.

Dom Gallo also won both of his matches, 4-0 against Northern Colorado and by default against Hofstra. Hunter Starner narrowly was beaten (5-4) against UNC and scored a 15-8 win in his match against Hofstra.

The Keydets are off until Saturday, Dec. 29, when they part in the Lock Haven University (Pa.) Classic.