“The confidence comes from. When the game is on the line, I’m asked to do something I’ve done thousands of times before.”
Live again @sam_latona Win 3rd in the country😤🧊 # Group 100 #Hockey #all the time 🦃 pic.twitter.com/Tljj0QUIXx
— Virginia Tech Wrestling (@HokiesWrestling) January 9, 2023
In the top, head-to-head match of the night, Sam Latona A two-time All-American at Cornell, he shined at center stage in his redemption win over No. 3 Vito Aruja. Latona was 0-2 in their previous meetings before Friday night — a major decision loss at 125 pounds at the Journeyman Duals last season and a 133-pound decision at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational last December.
Aruja started the pace with great defense from Latona and a first-time single leg through his own offense, which was a testament to all the action the fight had to offer. Latona was finally able to secure the takedown in the final minute of the first period following an escape by Aruja to end the action-packed first period 2-1 in favor of the Hawkeyes. Aruja then put together a second-period breakaway, the only points of the season, as Latona failed to make another field goal attempt in the second period. Latona escaped in the final period and took a 3-2 lead with 1:30 left in the playoff. Aruja made several attacks, but Latona’s indomitable defense was too much for the Hawkeyes to win the decision. The win was Latona’s career-high.
Sam Latonaaa!!!! ROLL BAMMAAAA!!!!
Sam Latona 3-2 DEC to take out #3 in the nation!!!! pic.twitter.com/c7ziIANJKf
— Virginia Tech Wrestling (@HokiesWrestling) January 7, 2023
Following Friday night’s win, Latona earned a 12-4 major decision over George Mason’s Josh Jones on Sunday for the Hokies’ first of two wins. Latona rallied with a reversal and four takedowns late in the third period to pick up the bonus-point victory for Tech.
Latona and the Hokies return to action on Friday, January 13th at Appalachian State in Boone, NC at 7 pm EST to wrap up the conference tournament. They will host conference rival No. 5 NC State next Friday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at Cassel Coliseum to kick off ACC play.
