ST. LOUIS, MO – Rider University wrestling graduate student Jesse Dellavecchia (Great River, NY/East Islip [Binghamton]) pinned top-seeded Ryan Deakin of Northwestern Friday night in the biggest win in Rider Wrestling history. Dellavecchia becomes the Broncs' first-ever wrestler to advance to the National Championship bout, where he'll face Iowa State's David Carr, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, Saturday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN.  

Earlier in the day in the quarterfinals, Dellavecchia was leading Penn State's Brady Berge, 2-0, when Berge was injured and had to default. The win made Dellavecchia Rider's 16th different wrestler to earn All-America honors.

Following a scoreless first period against Deakin, Dellavecchia started on top in the second period. The Broncs' 157 lb. wrestler was able to turn Deakin for back points and finished off the pin at 3:18.    

"Jesse just made Rider Wrestling history becoming the first ever NCAA finalist for our program," said Rider Head Coach John Hangey. "Jesse deserves this, he has dedicated his life to the sport and has been completely devoted to our program and University from day one on campus. He has some unfinished business to take care of tomorrow night, but the coaching staff and I couldn't be more proud for Jesse and his family!"