“I think losing Corey is a big loss, and having the team literally come back the next time we wrestle and pull off a win against Army, that helps,” Weiss said. “It gets guys to buy in more to what we do training-wise…and gives our guys confidence for the next stretch of Ivy matches.”

But Peppelman was not the only Crimson grappler to step up on Saturday. After sophomore Adam Hogue (165) dropped a 5-2 decision, rookies Ian Roy (174) and Cameron Croy (184) posted back-to-back three-point wins to put Harvard back on top.

With the team’s first victory so close, the Crimson turned to a pair of veterans to lock it down. Junior Bryan Panzano pulled out a crucial 4-3 decision at 197 lbs., and co-captain Andrew Knapp snared a 4-2 sudden victory to seal the match. The win was significant for Knapp, who is in his final season after returning from a knee injury.

“Every time he steps out, [Knapp] is going to continue to get better and shake out that rust,” Weiss said. “He’s got another month and a half of wrestling in his life, and when he realizes that, he’s going to bring out his best.”

Certainly the Crimson will need that effort—along with strong performances throughout its lineup—as the squad begins challenging Ancient Eight competition next weekend.

—Staff writer Max N. Brondfield can be reached at mbrondf@fas.harvard.edu.