NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Franklin & Marshall's wrestling team opened its 2015-16 season on Sunday at the Rutgers Duals, falling to Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) opponent Binghamton by a 33-7 score and No. 18 Rutgers by a 47-0 mark, before capturing a decisive 40-6 win against Division III Centenary to wrap up action.
The trio of decisions on the day moved the Diplomats to 1-2, 0-1 EIWA on the season.
Down 8-0 early on against Binghamton, F&M responded with a dominant 11-2 major decision by No. 8 Rick Durso, followed by a 2-0 decision by Jason Bing at 149 to make it an 8-7 contest. However, the Bearcats secured wins in the final six matchups to capture the victory.
To view results from the Binghamton match, click here.
Competing in front of 1,238 fans at a packed College Avenue Gym, the Diplomats struggled against one the nation's top teams in No. 18 Rutgers. The highlight bout was No. 9 Rick Durso taking on No. 8 Anthony Ashnault at 141 pounds. The match was close throughout as Ashnault went into the second with a 2-0 lead off a late takedown. A quick reverse made the score 4-0 heading into the third as Durso was unable to come back en route to the tough 7-1 defeat.
To view results from the Rutgers' match, click here.
Despite the rough start to the day, F&M ended on a high note with its 34-point win over Centenary. Edgar Garcia captured the early momentum for the Diplomats at 125, registering a strong 16-1 tech. fall win. Paddy Quinlan followed with a pin just 25 seconds in to push the lead to 11-0, before a Centenary forfeit at 141 made it a 17-0 contest.
Durso earned his second win of the day, earning a 17-1 tech. fall at 149. Another Centenary forfeit at 157, followed by a Gordon Bolig tech. fall at 165, extended the advantage to 33-3. Reining NCAA Qualifier Josh Sibles needed sudden victory to overcome Colin Gironda at 174 by a 3-1 decision, before Anthony Mancini got the Diplomats back to their winning ways with a 13-5 major decision at 184.
Corey Kerkesner battled in his first collegiate competition, but fell by a narrow 15-10 mark, while Antonio Pelusi ended action with a 6-1 decision.
To view results from the Centenary match, click here.
F&M returns to the mat on Sunday, taking part in the Bearcat Open, which is hosted by Binghamton.
