University of Tennessee at Chattanooga junior Fabian Gutierrez posted a big win in the Mocs dual meet at No. 5 Virginia Tech tonight.  The Commerce City, Colo, native scored an 8-5 decision over the Hokies No. 14 ranked Joey Prata early in the match at 125.

Virginia Tech took the dual 28-3, despite Gutierrez getting his first career win over a ranked opponent.  The win improved his overall record to 8-4 on the year.

There was no score in the opening period at 125.  Gutierrez got the better of a scramble in the second period, resulting in a takedown and four back points.  He kept the lead the rest of the way to give Chattanooga a 3-0 lead. 

Riding was all that stood between the Mocs and a 6-0 lead. Sophomore Franco Valdes nearly pulled off an upset of his own at 133, losing to Collin Gerardi 2-1. Chattanooga also had close losses at 149, 174 and 197. 

The Mocs will now enjoy a few days of holiday break before hosting the 2020 Southern Scuffle, presented by Compound Sportswear, on Jan. 1-2.  Tickets are going fast for the lower bowl in McKenzie Arena.  

No. 5 Virginia Tech 29 – Chattanooga 3
Cassell Arena – Blacksburg, Va.
Saturday - Dec. 21, 2019
125: Fabian Gutierrez (UTC) over No. 14 Joey Prata (VT) (Dec. 8-5)
133: Collin Gerardi (VT) over Fanco Valdes (VT) (Dec. 2-1)
141: No. 18 Mitch Moore (VT) over Mason Wallace (UTC) (Dec. 8-3)
149: Bryce Andonian (VT) over No. 21 Tanner Smith (UTC) (Dec. 5-3)
157: B.C. LaPrade (VT) over Tyler Shilson (UTC) (MD 11-2)
165: No. 6 David McFadden (VT) over Drew Nicholson (UTC) (Dec. 7-2)
174: Cody Hughes (VT) over Hunder Fortner (UTC) (Dec. 3-2)
184: No. 3 Hunter Bolen (VT) over No. 20 Matthew Waddell(UTC) (Dec. 10-4)
197: Stanley Smeltzer (VT) over Rodney Jones (UTC) (Dec. 3-1)
285: No. 16 John Borst (VT) over Grayson Walthall (UTC)