Ewing, NJ-- The College of New Jersey wrestling team was defeated by Stevens Institute of Technology Friday night 25-16 in the first dual match of the season.

At 184 Daniel Kilroy (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) picked up where he left off from last season with a victory via fall. Kilroy, who was an All-American last year went into the third period up 3-0 on his opponent and was able to finish strong to earn the 13th pin of his career. Alex Mirabella (Fanwood, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) followed that up in the 197 bout with an impressive performance as he pinned his opponent in the first twenty seconds of the match. In the heavyweight bout, Kyle Coccozza (Farmingdale, NJ/Howell) won via major decision 10-2. Coccozza closed the match out strong for the Lions, as he pulled away in the third period to secure the major decision victory. 

At 165, Luke Balina (Long Branch, NJ/Long Branch) went back and forth in a competitive bout with Thomas Poklikhua. Poklikhua was up 5-4 in the second period, but Balina took the advantage with a take down.  Poklikhua went back on top 9-6 with a take down in the third period, and was able to hang onto the decision.

The Lions will look to bounce back, and they have a quick turnaround as they will travel to Ursinus College on November 11th to compete in the Ursinus Fall Brawl. 

Stevens Institute of Technology 25 The College of New Jersey 16
125: Yoseph Borai (Stevens) def. Jacob Falleni (TCNJ) decision 10-4 Stevens up 3-0
133: Troy Stanich (Stevens) def. Jake Giordano (TCNJ) tech fall 18-1 Stevens up 8-0
141: Brett Kaliner (Stevens) def. Eric Friedman (TCNJ) major decision 8-0 Stevens up 12-0
149:  Dylan Van Sickell (Stevens) def. David Santiago (TCNJ) major decision 16-8 Stevens up 16-0
157: Zach Wilhem (Stevens) def. Mark Gerstacker (TCNJ) decision 5-1 Stevens up 19-0
165: Thomas Poklikuha (Stevens) def. Luke Balina (TCNJ) decision 9-7 Stevens up 22-0
174: Phil Woods (Stevens) def. Kellen Whitney (TCNJ) decision 8-4 Stevens up 25-0
184: Daniel Kilroy (TCNJ def. Mark Kimbrell (Stevens) by fall Stevens up 25-6
197: Alex Mirabella (TCNJ) def. Bruce Parola (Stevens) by fall Stevens up 25-12
285: Kyle Coccozza (TCNJ) def Colin Myles (Stevens) by major decision 10-2 Stevens up 25-16