SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Hitting the mat on Saturday morning, VU men's wrestling duked it out with San Francisco State.  The Lions and the Gators had to cancel their matchup last year and the 2023 edition went quickly to the hosts.  VU had only one individual victory against an SFSU wrestler in the dual, as San Francisco State won 40-9. 

What Happened?  The dual was an emotional one for the Gators, as the crowd paused for a moment of silence to honor Hamzah Alsaudi, who was lost in a swimming accident.  That gave SFSU a little more in the tank as they wrestled for their former teammate, and it showed throughout the dual.

Dominic De'Altonaga (SO/Poway, CA) was able to pick up a full six points for VU in the 125-pound class as SFSU was open.  Steven Kroesen (JR/Laguna Hills, CA) was the only winner against a Gator wrestler at 141 pounds, as he toppled Stefano McKinney 6-5 to get three points for the Blue and Gold in a quality win.  The only other close match was the 133-pound bout, as Julian Leon (FR/Fontana, CA) almost snagged a win against Tony Margiotta, but Margiotta was able to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

The Lions were open at both 174 and 184 pounds and the Gators took care of business in the other classes.  Joshua Norikiyo pinned Ricardo Valdez (FR/Barstow, CA) at 149-pounds and Josh Tolentino pinned Philip Saucedo (FR/Riverside, CA) in the 157-pound bout.  Conrado Trevino-Oceguera cobbled together a 14-3 major decision victory over Ruben Rodriguez (FR/Chula Vista, CA) in the 165-pound matchup, while Laith Gilmore pinned Steven Solis (FR/Heber, CA) in the 197-pound meeting.  Callum Bisping ended the day with an 8-2 decision victory over Ryan Ortiz (SO/Orange, CA) in the heavyweight tilt.

What's Next? The Lions now have two weeks to rest up before the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament.  VU will start the CCC Tournament in Prescott, Arizona, on February 17.