Sanders secures spot in NCAA finals match

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Concordia University Wisconsin sophomore wrestler Greg Sanders advanced to the 2013 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships finals match in the 149 lb. weight class with a victory in the semifinals Saturday morning.

Sanders (San Antonio, Texas), the sixth seed in the 149 lb. bracket, defeated seventh-seeded Vincent Pisani of York College by a 4-2 decision to advance to the title bout. The two were tied 0-0 after two periods but Sanders continued his theme of strong third period performances to advance to the championship match. Despite the close score, Sanders seemed in control throughout the match.

In the finals Sanders will meet up against top-seeded Kodie Silvestri of Wartburg College. Silvestri earned a 5-3 decision in his semifinal match to advance to the finals bout. The semifinals were the first time he has been scored upon in three matches at the championships, as he won by scores of 8-0 and 7-0, respectively, in the opening two rounds.

The sophomore grappler appeared to build a 2-0 lead in the first period, but following his two points the referees went to video replay to review the call. Following the review the decision was reversed keeping the match knotted at 0-0.

"Greg was in control of just about every position in that match," said Falcons first-year head coach Corey VanGroll. "The score was close but he controlled it and he was the better wrestler."

Sanders and Silvestri have yet to meet on the mat this season. Silvestri is competing in 149 lbs. this year after capturing the 141 lb. championship in 2012.

"It will definitely be a big challenge tonight and we're excited for it," VanGroll said. "I'm very confident Greg is going to do well."

Fans can capture the action live tonight of Greg Sanders as he attempts to become a national champion. The action is set to begin at 7 p.m. and the live stats and video can be accessed from CUWFalcons.com.