Wrestling Falls 31-6 to South Dakota State in Opener Saturday

Saturday, November 22

Daskalakis Athletic Center

6:00 p.m.

Drexel University

South Dakota State

Wrestling Falls 31-6 to South Dakota State in Opener Saturday

11/22/2014 7:43:00 PM | Wrestling

PHILADELPHIA – Drexel Wrestling opened its 2014-15 season Saturday night at the Daskalakis Athletic Center, falling to South Dakota State, 31-6.

After freshman Zack Fuentes had to forfeit in the first period because of an elbow injury, the Dragons picked up their teammate with decisions from Kevin Devoy and Franco Ferraina. Devoy took the 133 pound match, 7-2, scoring six quick points between the end of the first period and beginning of the second. Ferraina took a crucial 141 pound match-up, taking down his opponent in overtime and winning, 6-1.

"For Franco to take the match on short notice and go out there and win was big," head coach Matt Azevedo said. "I'm happy with what I saw from him, and I expect a lot from him. It was big to be able to even up the score at 6-6 after Zack's injury."

The Jackrabbits took control from that point forward, though. Matthew Cimato dropped a majority decision 9-1 after a tough first period at 149 pounds, followed by a loss by fall to a nationally ranked opponent at 157 pounds. Freshman Nick Elmer kept his 165 pound match close, but riding time gave his South Dakota State opponent the 4-3 advantage.

At 174 pounds, Stephen Loiseau kept his opponent from scoring to force overtime tied at zero, but was ultimately taken down at the start of the free frame to drop the decision. Sophomore Alex DeCiantis, 184 pounds, was able to keep his match within reaching distance throughout, but fell 10-7.

The Dragons debuted a pair of freshmen at 197 and 285 pounds. Joshua Murphy ran out of time on a late takedown attempt, dropping a 3-2 decision. Joey Goodhart took his opponent to overtime, but his opponent scored the quick takedown.

"I was most impressed with our heavyweights tonight," Azevedo said. "They may have lost, but they went out there and what's really important is they fought hard. That's all we can ask from our guys is to fight hard."

Prior to the match, Drexel Wrestling alumni Matt Pestronk and Joe Anastasio were honored for their contributions to the Drexel Wrestling Cornerstone Program.

The Dragons will return to the mat on Sunday, Nov. 23 when they head down 33^rd Street to the Palestra for the Keystone Classic. They return to the DAC on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. against Navy.

Drexel 6, South Dakota State 31
125: Isaac Andrade (SDST) def. Zack Fuentes (DU) by injury default
133: Kevin Devoy Jr. (DU) DEC Brance Simms (SDST) 7-2
141: Franco Ferraina (DU) DEC Luke Zilverberg (SDST) 6-1 (OT)
149: Colin Holler (SDST) MAJ Matthew Cimato (DU) 9-1
157: Cody Pack (SDST) WBF Noel Blanco (DU) @ 5:32
165: Kyle Leet (SDST) DEC Nick Elmer (DU) 4-3
174: David Kocer (SDST) DEC Stephen Loiseau (DU) 2-0 (OT)
184: Brady Ayers (SDST) DEC Alex DeCiantis (DU) 10-7
197: Nate Rotert (SDST) DEC Joshua Murphy (DU) 3-2
285: J.J. Everard (SDST) DEC Joey Goodhart (DU) 3-1