RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The San Francisco State wrestling team knocked off yet another ranked team on Friday night and gained California bragging rights when the Gators defeated No. 9 California Baptist in the Lancers' home gym.
The Gators, who received votes in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 25 and Individual Rankings, presented by the United States Marine Corps, moved to 5-4 on the season while CBU dropped to 5-5. The two teams are the only NCAA Division II programs in California, though the Gators will become the only Division II program next year when CBU makes the leap to Division I.
"This was a great team effort. Everyone did their jobs. We fought hard to not give up bonus points, and we fought hard to get them," said Head Coach
Jason Welch. "We wrestled through every situation. Tonight was a show of a young team gaining maturity and a responsibility to each other as teammates who rely upon one another to achieve a common goal."
Nathan Cervantez started the dual off with a pin of Mario Barras in the 133 lb. matchup, which would prove vital later on in the dual. Cervantez has now won nine of his last 10 bouts, three by pin. At 144 lb.,
Austin Solari escaped with three seconds left and earned a close 5-4 decision over Trent Smith to make it 9-0. The Lancers got on the board after Daxton Gordon earned a major decision over
Kurtis Clem in the 149 lb. bout.
Mason Boutain kept the Gators in front with a major decision at 157 lb. The Gators ran into trouble at the 165, 174, and 184 lb. matchups, where a trio of nationally-ranked Lancers earned a pair of major decisions and a technical fall to tie and go ahead 17-13.
Elias Rosales was held scoreless in the 197 lb. contest and the Gators suddently trailed 20-13. The Gators' heavyweight, No. 11-ranked
Sam Alnassiri caught a break when Zach Schrader was whistled for an illegal hold with four seconds remaining. That tied the bout 2-2 and Alnassiri was able to record a takedown in overtime for the 4-2 victory.
In a similar situation where the Gators defeated then-No. 23 Lindenwood in the final bout, Andrew Vu faced off with Alex Nunez at 125 lb. Vu needed at least a major decision and he delivered. Vu fell behind 2-0, then evened it up with a reversal. From there, he scored a four point near fall, followed by a two point near fall. He picked up a point with an escape though Nunez regained two points with a takedown to end the second round. Vu earned a takedown, then, with seven seconds left in round three, scored a crucial two point near fall.
As per criterion 3.21.b, the Gators earned the bout's only fall with the Cervantez pin in the first bout. That meant that the Gators completed the comeback and won 21-20.
Up Next
SF State will head North to Oregon to compete in the Clackamas Open on Sunday, Jan. 21. Bouts begin at 10 a.m.
