GAFFNEY, S.C. – The Coker wrestling team took down the Limestone Saints, 21-19 in its first dual match of the season.

Limestone jumped out to an early 6-0 lead with wins at the 125-pound and 133-pound divisions. The Cobras quickly turned the tables on the Saints with back-to-back pins by Rashad Cunningham and Kevin Thompson at the 141-pound and 149-pound divisions, taking a 12-6 lead.

The Saints closed the gap to 12-9 with a win at the 157-pound division. Ellison Sanders gave Coker some breathing room with an 11-6 decision at the 165-pound division, giving the Cobras a 15-9 advantage. Limestone took a 19-15 lead after three victories at the 174-pound, 184-pound and 197-pound divisions.

The match came down to the heavyweight division, and with a pin 3:36 seconds into the match Austin Akins picked up six points to give the Cobras the 21-19 victory.

The Cobras will be back on the mat on Monday (Nov. 25) for their first home match season against St. Andrews University. The dual match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Coker's Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive Coker wrestling foam fingers.

Coker 21, Coker 19

125: Alex Battaglia (LC) dec. Gavin Perkins (CC), 8-6.

133: Colby Yates (LC) dec. Charlie Huff (CC), 3-2.

141: Rashad Cunningham (CC) pinned Taylor Wickett (LC), 3:58.

149: Kevin Thompson (CC) pinned Nick Leitten (LC), 4:59.

157: Richie Mann ing (LC) dec. JD Dykes (CC), 5-4.

165: Ellison Sanders (CC) dec. Matt Farmer (LC), 11-6.

174: Tanner Saraceno (LC) major dec. Zach Dicus (CC), 11-3.

184: David Kieta (LC) dec. Jacob Ralph (CC), 6-3.

197: Justin Tribble (LC) dec. Robert Parland (CC), 3-1.

HWT: Austin Atkins (CC) pinned Jeremiah Parker (LC), 3:36.