Eddie Ventresca and Virginia Tech opened the season with a victory over Bucknell. (Ivan Morozov)

No. 10 Virginia Tech picked up a gritty 19-12 win over Bucknell on Friday night, grinding out six individual victories on its way to its first dual win of the 2025-26 season.

The Hokies (1-0) came out strong early in Cassell Coliseum, winning four of the first five bouts before the Bison (0-1) closed the gap in the upper weights. Despite a few close calls, Tech’s depth proved too much and pulled away with a victory.

At 125 pounds, No. 4 Eddie Ventresca set the tone with a decisive 5-1 win over Chris Nucifora. The All-American controlled the tempo from start to finish, using an early takedown to secure the decision and put the Hokies on the board.

No. 18 Dillon Campbell followed with a dominant showing at 133, rolling to a 16-2 major decision over Ty Kapusta. The redshirt freshman piled up takedowns throughout the bout, giving Tech a quick 7-0 team lead.

At 141, No. 20 Tom Crook continued the early momentum for the Hokies with an 8-6 win over No. 14 Dylan Chappell, using a third-period takedown to seal a ranked victory in a hard-fought match.

Freshman Noah Nininger added another win at 149, earning a 4-1 decision over Braden Bower in his dual debut. Nininger trailed early and never faltered, coming back to extend Tech’s team advantage to 13-0.

Bucknell eventually got on the board at 157, where Tech’s Frank DiBella dropped a close 6-4 decision to Cade Wirnsberger, but the Hokies responded at 174 with a key ranked win. No. 23 Sergio Desiante took down No. 20 Myles Takats 4-2, sealing the bout with strong defense in the final period to fend off a rally from the Bison.

Bucknell made a push in the upper weights. Tech’s No. 28 Mac Church fell in a sudden victory thriller at 165, losing 12-9 to No. 29 Noah Mulvaney despite multiple scrambles that nearly swung his way. Meanwhile, No. 21 Jaden Bullock (184) and No. 16 Jimmy Mullen (285) both dropped their bouts for the Hokies, with Mullen’s ending in a tight 3-2 finish against Lucas Lawler.

Tech’s final win came from No. 24 Sonny Sasso at 197, who delivered one of the night’s most dominant performances with a 15-8 decision over Mikey Bartush. The redshirt sophomore showcased aggression, collecting multiple takedowns and bonus points that ultimately sealed the team victory.

Virginia Tech will take part in the National Duals next week in Tulsa, Okla.

Results: No. 10 Virginia Tech 19, Bucknell 12

• 125: No. 4 Eddie Ventresca (VT) dec. Chris Nucifora (BU), 5-1
• 133: No. 18 Dillon Campbell (VT) maj. dec. Ty Kapusta (BU), 16-2
• 141: No. 20 Tom Crook (VT) dec. No. 14 Dylan Chappell (BU), 8-6
• 149: Noah Nininger (VT) dec. Braden Bower (BU), 4-1
• 157: Cade Wirnsberger (BU) dec. Frank DiBella (VT), 6-4
• 165: No. 29 Noah Mulvaney (BU) dec. No. 28 Mac Church (VT), 12-9 (SV)
• 174: No. 23 Sergio Desiante (VT) dec. No. 20 Myles Takats (BU), 4-2
• 184: Tyler Bienus (BU) dec. No. 21 Jaden Bullock (VT), 3-2
• 197: No. 24 Sonny Sasso (VT) dec. Mikey Bartush (BU), 15-8
• 285: Lucas Lawler (BU) dec. No. 16 Jimmy Mullen (VT), 3-2