BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Robbie Sagaris set the tone, winning both of his matches at 125 pounds.
And the LIU wrestling team split a pair of meets on Saturday in their home opener at Pratt Recreation Center, falling to Clarion, 33-6, and then defeating VMI, 28-12.
Kaelan Francois at 133 pounds produced a dramatic win to follow Sagaris' victory and give LIU a 6-0 advantage, but Clarion captured the remainder of the matches.
Against VMI, Sagaris,
Devin Matthews (141),
Drew Witham (149),
Rhise Royster (157),
TJ Franden (174),
Gavin Claro (184) and
Aeden Begue (285) were victorious.
Claro pinned VMI's Zach Brown.
"We were very pleased with our effort with Clarion," coach
Joe Patrovich said. "They are a very, very good MAC team, with many seasoned veterans. We wrestled tough and a number of calls didn't go our way. The results weren't indicative of our efforts. That being said, we did some really good things.
"We rebounded well against VMI. We are working hard, and the results are starting to pay dividends."
The Sharks again compete at home next Saturday at noon when Franklin & Marshall visits Long Island.
