JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's wrestling team celebrated seniors Mikey Cross (Union, N.J./Union City) and Jayden Reyes (Elizabeth, N.J./Alexander Hamilton) before securing a commanding 42-17 victory over Keystone College on Friday, Jan. 17, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. With the win, the Gothic Knights (6-13) tied their record for most dual wins in a season, reaching six victories.

NJCU quickly jumped to a 12-0 lead after two forfeits from Keystone (3-17), with freshman Dominic Terracciano (Keansburg, N.J./Keansburg) earning the win at 125 pounds and junior Lucas Torre (Point Pleasant, N.J./Brick Memorial) winning at 133 pounds. Sophomore Dean Costantino (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) extended the lead to 18-0 with a dominant 15-2 victory over Justin Santiago, earning his sixth pin of the season in 2:47. Keystone then forfeited the 149-pound matchup, giving sophomore Andy Beras (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) the win and making the score 24-0.

The Gothic Knights continued their momentum with junior Zack Vera (Livingston, N.J./Livingston), who recorded his fifth pin of the season over Codi Bomboy in 3:47, winning 16-7 in the 157-pound bout. Senior Mikey Cross (Union, N.J./Union City) added another highlight in the 165-pound match, where he pinned Dalten Klinges with just three seconds remaining in the third period with a tied score at eight. This was Cross' third fall of the season and pushed NJCU's lead to 36-0. Freshman Fabian Acuna (Somerville, N.J./Somerville) then kept the Giants scoreless with a pin of Mariano Monacelli in 2:26, leading NJCU with a team-high eight pins this season.

Keystone managed to score in the final three weight classes (184, 197, and 285). The Giants earned a forfeit at 184 pounds, followed by a tech fall at 197 and a pin at 285, cutting the deficit to 42-17.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 25, when they travel to face #4 Johnson & Wales in an 8:00 p.m. matchup.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.