NEW YORK - The Columbia wrestling team was unable to get by the No. 6 team in the nation, as Cornell swept the Lions in a 38-0 win.
The Big Red lineup, which featured five wrestlers ranked in the top 13 in their weight classes, was able to pass the test, having defeated Hofstra earlier in the day, then traveling to Columbia for the night cap.
Two Columbia first-years were close to earning wins, but eventually both fell victim to Cornell opponents. Jacob Macalolooy returned to the mat after a brief haitus, and was impressive in his match with Nick Arujau. Macalolooy was tied with Arujau, 2-2, at the end of the third period, but fell victim to a 2:37 advantage in riding time for the Cornell 141-pounder, falling 3-2.
At 165, Tyrel White was locked in a battle with Craig Eifert. After trailing 4-2 going into the third, White earned an escape to come within one point. The first-year was close on a take-down, but was unable to earn two points before the final whistle, dropping a 4-3 match.
The Lions are back in action again next weekend against two teams from the Ivy League and EIWA. Columbia will take on Princeton on Friday, Feb. 13 in a 6 p.m. dual, then follow that up with a 7 p.m. dual on Feb. 14 against Penn.
