NEWPORT NEWS - The Apprentice School wrestling team needed a little flair for the dramatic in the Day 1 finale but ultimately swept through Pool A Friday at the NCWA National Duals, going 3-0 as the top seed in the event.

The Builders started out the day with a hard fought 47-10 win over Central Florida that was much closer than the final score indicates before cruising past Colorado State in the midday match, 53-9.

In the finale against third-seeded Thomas More, who was also 2-0 heading into the match, the Saints jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead after wins by tech fall, decision and fall at 125, 133 and 141, respectively. From there, however, the Builders took control of the match, starting with a battle at 149 that saw David Norris get a 13-7 decision win. The momentum continued to shift as Logan Eastman and Landon Kissell earned hard fought decisions before the bonus points started flying in the favor of Apprentice.

Starting at 174 with Ethan Baker, the Builders reeled off three falls and two forfeits to finish off the final 39 points of the match. David McElravy and Caleb Hartung got the other two pinfalls.

With the 3-0 Friday, the Builders will be at the top of the bracket out of Pool A and will battle the fourth place team from Pool B, East Carolina. Life University won Pool B, while Liberty came in second. All quarterfinal matches will begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning with bracket play continuing throughout the day.

Full results can be found at GoBuilders.com/NCWADuals or at the link above.