3-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee took the mat at the Soldier Salute on December 29-30 in only his second competition of the season. Take a look below to re-live his tournament and watch his matches from day 1 at the inaugural Soldier Salute.

Round of 16 vs Damion Ryan, Bellarmine

Spencer Lee opened up his tournament against Damion Ryan, a true freshman at Bellarmine. The match played out in classic Spencer Lee fashion - a quick takedown, work for the bar, and finish with a first-period pin.

Quarter-Finals vs Charlie Farmer, Army

Spencer’s quarter-final opponent was Army’s Charlier Farmer - a freshman with a 7-2 record entering the tournament. In this match, Lee got out to his patented quick start building a 12-0 lead off a takedown and three turns before giving up an escape at the end of the first period. Farmer chose neutral to start the second and Lee earned a takedown about 50 seconds into the period off a nice high-crotch. He then transitioned immediately to his tilt to secure the 18-1 tech fall.

Semi-Finals vs Jore Volk, Wyoming

Wyoming’s true freshman Jore Volk met Lee in the semi-finals. Volk was notably the #40 overall recruit out of the class of 2022 and won a U20 world title over the summer. Volk is 10-5 on the year during his freshman campaign with his only losses coming to past NCAA qualifiers. 

In their match at the Soldier Salute, Lee built a 6-1 lead at the end of the first after securing a quick takedown and 4-point near fall before surrendering an escape with just 30 seconds left in the period. In the second period, Lee earned a quick escape, takedown, another 4-point near fall, and stall point to extend his lead to 14-1. However, Volk earned a reversal with just 4 seconds left to cut the lead to 14-3 at the end of the second. Volk chose neutral in the third and was able to earn a takedown with about 30 seconds to go in the match. Lee got an escape point and the match ended with a 15-5 major decision for Spencer Lee.

Finals vs Drake Ayala, Iowa

Spencer Lee's finals opponent was 2022 NCAA qualifier and fellow Hawkeye, Drake Ayala. After recovering from injury in the off-season, Ayala has had only 5 matches on the year and was undefeated in all of them. Ayala notably defeated #14 Ethan Berginc (Army), 5-2 in the semis. 

In their finals match, Lee secured a takedown in just 10 seconds and transitioned immediately to his top work. Like many of his matches, it didn't take long for Lee to lock up a pinning combination and secured the fall at just 1:24 into the match. After going 4-0 and show casing his dominance, it's likely we see Spencer Lee wrestle throughout the upcoming dual season on his quest to achieving a historic 4th NCAA title.

The Soldier Salute is being live-streamed on BTN+ but you can watch every archive on Flo following the completion of the tournament. 

Check out all of the results for the Soldier Salute here.