JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey City University men's wrestling team fell just short to the Cortland State Red Dragons tonight, Feb. 4, at the John J. Moore Athletic and Fitness Center (JMAC) in a traditional dual match by a score of 27-24. The Gothic Knights had five different wrestlers coming out victorious, including a nationally-ranked upset by sophomore Andre Ruiz (Little Ferry, N.J./Ridgefield Park) and another victory for senior captain Kyle Hillermeier (Howell, N.J./Freehold Township). The squad now moves to 3-12 in its first-ever full-season. 

In the first of two matches taking place at the JMAC in 2022, the squad started off to a hot start — capturing a victory by pin (2:03) at 125 pounds by freshman Damienlee Torres (West Orange, N.J./West Orange). This was the seventh victory of the year for the freshman, moving him to 7-3 for his first year with the squad.

After the 125 pound clash, sophomore Andre Ruiz (Little Ferry, N.J./Ridgefield Park) put on a performance that he and the rest of the NJCU men's wrestling fans will remember for the rest of his career. The sophomore came up with a come-from-behind victory against J.C. Cardenas by 9-6 decision. According to NWCA.com most recent rankings, Cardenas is currently ranked #7 at 133 pounds in Division III and is ranked #1 in the Mid-East region.

With defeats at 141 and 149 pounds, the Red Dragons gained ground on NJCU and took a 17-9 lead.

Arguably, the wrestler who is on the hottest stretch right now, junior Jeff Johnson (Middlesex, N.J./Middlesex), took the mat again tonight and continued his dominance. Johnson won his 157 pound dual by fall (5:32), pushing him to 11-1 in his last 12 matches. 

A loss-by-fall at 165 pounds for the Knights pushed the gap further, but sophomore Shane Lallkissoon (Manville, N.J./Manville) helped Jersey City get back on the board with a 8-2 decision victory. Lallkissoon put on a dominant performance, leading from start to finish, to capture his eighth victory of the year.

To end the night, Hillermeier did not disappoint, as he sent the crowd home with another victory. This time, the captain took care of business quickly, defeating Roan Jellick by fall (2:38). The senior standout now moves to 11 victories on the year, trailing on Johnson (12) and fellow captain junior Matthew Armamento (Kenilworth, N.J./Roselle Park) (15). 

In the exhibition matches, the Knights had five more wrestlers capturing a victory for the squad. Freshman Dom Merola (East Hanover, N.J./Hanover Park Regional) and sophomores George Rivera (Teaneck, N.J./Teaneck) (133), Jake Sisk (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) (157), Ty Bailey (Point Pleasant, N.J./Point Pleasant Boro) (165) and Abdul Ibraheem (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) (149) all came out with a victory for NJCU. 

New Jersey City returns to action this Friday night, Feb. 11, for the final home dual meet this season. The Gothic Knights will welcome Hunter College to the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center (JMAC) for a 7:00 p.m. match. Follow all the action live on GothicVision. All guest must wear proper masking at all times. Please visit our updated attendance policy at www.NJCUGothicKnights.com/spectators.