It’s no surprise that the No. 8 Virginia Tech wrestling team has received another ACC Wrestler of the Week honor, and it’s no surprise who it is this week: Christiansburg native and redshirt sophomore Andy Smith.
Smith was named this week’s award winner for his pivotal victory over Isaac Trumble last Friday night that proved to be the difference in Tech’s defeating No.-5 NC State in the first edition of the Friday Night Duals.
Smith entered the dual meet ranked No. 26 and looking to improve his record to 2-0 against Trumble. Their first meeting came in the summer in freestyle at the 2022 US Open. Smith did win in what proved to be the clincher for the Hokies’ upset of the rival Wolfpack in an electric Cassell Coliseum.
After a scoreless first period, Trumble got an escape in the second period in what was the only point of the period to lead 1-0 heading into the final frame. In the third, Smith got an escape of his own to tie the dual with 1:00 remaining and the fate of the dual on the line.
With just :40 on the clock, Trumble attacked, only to be met by Smith’s stout defense and counter offense, giving the Hokie a 3-1 lead. Trumble then got an escape and looked to attack, nearly finishing, but Smith’s defense was too much, and he held on for the 3-2 decision and the final win for the Hokies to secure the dual.
This marked the eighth time a Tech wrestler has garnered the award this season, and Smith became the fifth Hokie this season to be named conference wrestler of the week.
–VT Athletics
