Pleasantville lightweights come up big

Pleasantville lightweights come up big
By Tony Pinciaro
The Journal News

CROTON-ON-HUDSON - Pleasantville had a lot of difficulty getting started yesterday, which is not what a team on a three-match losing streak would want.

The Panthers opened with consecutive losses in the upper weights - 171, 189 and 215 pounds - including two via pin. So Pleasantville found itself staring at a quick 15-point deficit and in need of a lift.

Enter Pleasantville's lightweights Bryan Vallejo (96 pounds), Michael Kane (103), Michael Taino (112) and T.J. O'Brien (119), who collectively carried the team.

The quartet strung together victories, rescuing Pleasantville and thrusting it to a 52-25 win over Croton-Harmon.

Vallejo, Taino and O'Brien all pinned, and Kane (103) was awarded a forfeit for the Panthers (4-3).

"We had lost our last three matches so we really wanted to win this," said Vallejo, a freshman in his first varsity season.

Vallejo, who missed by one point of placing in the Ted Murphy Shoreline Classic, reversed Vinny Guido to his back and finished the bout 16 seconds into the second period.

"Coach (Bob Bernarducci) told me I had to do it so I just went out there and tried to do my best," Vallejo said.

Vallejo is the latest Bernarducci "find" in a line of talented, young 96-pounders who have contributed in their first varsity season.

"Bryan has really been impressive," Bernarducci said. "When Brian, my son, was home from college, Bryan was working with him, showing him moves.

"Bryan really listens and he picks things up quickly. And, he doesn't give up. He was down 9-2 at Shoreline and pinned the kid."

Following Kane's forfeit win, Taino gave Pleasantville the lead for good on his fall. Taino fell behind 2-0 to Dan Potts, but a reversal put Potts to his back and Taino pinned him at 1:56 of the first period.

The victory helped Taino shake what he called a slump. The sophomore explained that he has been facing a lot of tough wrestlers. Taino also was not pleased with his Shoreline loss.

"I was really looking forward to this match because I wanted to get on the mat, get a victory for the team and prove myself," Taino said.

Taino credited Vallejo with the momentum-turning victory. "Bryan's win rejuvenated the entire team and brought us back up," he said.

Croton-Harmon coach Sam Occhipinti took the defeat in stride. He received strong showings from Pat Koch (215), Brendan O'Donnell (189), Frank Tedesco (125) and a forfeit win from Steven Boulos (160). More importantly, though, Occhipinti is pleased with the turnout.

"I have a nice mix of green wrestlers, guys who have been with me one or two years, and the real experienced guys," he said. "At least we have the numbers. It's only going to continue to get better."

Reach Tony Pinciaro at apinciar@lohud.com or 914-696-8234.