Grand Canyon won its first-ever Division I dual meet with a 22-12 victory over Appalachian State in Bakersfield, Calif., Friday, before falling to host CSU Bakersfield 32-4.
The Antelopes (1-1) got off to a good start against Appy State – picked second in the Southern Conference -- winning four of the first five matches. It won three contests decided by three points or less.
"We're excited to get our first D-I win," said coach R.C. LaHaye. "We got it by showing a lot of fight. We beat Appalachian State by winning the close matches and we weren't able to get the close ones against Bakersfield and that's why we lost."
Along with winning the close ones, GCU frosh
AJ Salazar, in his first match as an Antelope, beat NCAA qualifier Dominic Parisi by fall in 1:47, to open the dual at 125 and give GCU a 6-0 lead. Division II NCAA qualifier
Lino Estrada, at 133, followed with a 7-6 win over Vito Pasone and frosh
Austin Solari, at 141, beat Jake Smith 8-2 for a 12-0 lead.
At 157,
Bryant Wood won 9-6 over Nick Hall to stretch the 'Lope advantage to 15-3. Frosh
Austin Gaun (184) and sophomore
Marcus Haughian (197) also added wins. Gaun was a 13-3 victor over Alex Kruklinski, while Haughian edged Paul Weiss, 4-2.
Against the Roadrunners, GCU lost four matches by two points or less.
Mike Hamel, a winner at last week's Colorado Mesa Open, got the Antelopes lone win with a 9-1 triumph over Dalton Kelly.
The 'Lopes had three near misses.
Juan Carlos Maynes, at 165, lost 7-6 to David Meza. Gaun dropped a 3-2 decision to Sean Pollock and
Peter Anguiano lost the 285 match to Sam Cervantes 3-1.
The Antelopes wrestle in the Roadrunner Open in Fresno, Calif., Sunday. Fans can follow live results and bracket updates with links available at
www.gculopes.com.
GCU 22, APS 12; CSUB 32, GCU 4