ALLENTOWN, PA. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's wrestling team faced a tough opening night to the 2024-25 season, dropping their dual meet to Muhlenberg College 33-11 on Friday, Nov. 9. Despite three individual victories from NJCU, the team was outmatched overall by the Mules.

Three key performances stood out for the NJCU men's wrestling team (0-1) in their season opener against Muhlenberg (1-0). Junior Zack Vera (Livingston, N.J./Livingston) was dominant at 149 pounds, earning the first tech fall of the season for NJCU with a 19-3 win over Alex Greco in just 6:27. At 133 pounds, junior Lucas Torre (Point Pleasant, N.J./Brick Memorial) picked up a solid 6-1 victory over Joey Lamparelli, tying the match early at 3-3. Sophomore Dean Constantino also contributed to the Gothic Knights' brief lead, defeating Andrew Loniewski 8-2 at 141 pounds.

Freshman Dominic Terracciano (Keansburg, N.J./Keansburg) fought hard in his collegiate debut but came up short in an 8-6 loss to Brian McGaw at 125 pounds. Senior Mikey Cross (Union, N.J./Union City) narrowly lost to Charles Levine in the 157-pound class, falling 7-6. Sophomore Jayson Candelario (Madison, N.J./Madison) was defeated 19-7 in a major decision against Chris Sockler at 165 pounds, and sophomore Diego Viera (Belleville, N.J./Belleville) was overpowered in the 174-pound class, losing by tech fall 17-2 to Aiden Weingrad.

In the 184-pound weight class, freshman Fabian Acuna (Somerville, N.J./Somerville) suffered a quick pin in his debut against Fletcher Goodman. The Mules went on to claim the 197-pound and heavyweight classes with a forfeit and pin, respectively, sealing the victory for Muhlenberg.

In the exhibition match, junior Andy Beras (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) provided a bright spot for NJCU, pinning Joey Lenio in 4:10 at 141 pounds.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will look to bounce back quickly, with their next dual set for tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 9, at 4:00 p.m. against Wilkes University.

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