March 7, 2021

Frazier’s Lawrence captures gold at PIAA Super Regional

By Mon Valley Independent

By JONATHAN GUTH

MVI Sports

Rune Lawrence’s goal wasn’t to lure Malachi DuVall into a false sense of security.

But it may have appeared that way after the Frazier freshman rallied for his second straight week against the Penns Valley senior to win the PIAA Class AA West Super Regional Championship Saturday at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“I felt like I did all right in this tournament, but there are a lot of things I can improve on,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence had already punched his ticket to the state tournament by advancing to the 172-pound final, but it was evident he wanted the gold. Bentworth’s Chris Vargo (17-1) is also headed to Hershey, as the freshman, who attends Charleroi High School, placed third at 113.

The PIAA Class AA Individual Championships are Friday at the Giant Center. The tournament is normally a three-day event, but due to COVID-19 concerns, it will be one day with eight wrestlers entered in each weight class.

“I came this far, and I want to go the full way,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence (27-1) trailed 4-0 with 1:37 left in the first period after DuVall (14-2, 122-29) scored a takedown and racked up two near-fall points. Lawrence escaped with 42 seconds remaining and trailed by three heading into the second.

“I have been starting slow against him the last two weeks,” Lawrence said. “I have been trying some funky stuff and it didn’t really go my way at first.”

Lawrence used his strong top wrestling to hold DuVall the entire two minutes in the second and tied the bout with an escape and takedown. He rode DuVall the rest of the third to send the match to sudden victory.

Lawrence clinched the match with a takedown with 20 seconds left and added three back points for a 9-4 decision.

“I just kept calm, wrestled back and was able to get the outcome I wanted,” Lawrence said. “I really never had any doubt I was going to win, even when I was down.”

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