EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey wrestling team enjoyed the familiar confines of Packer Hall Wednesday afternoon, defeating Hunter College 52-0 in its home opener. With the win, the seventh-ranked Lions improved to 10-1 on the season, while the Hawks fell to 2-11.
 
The Lions got off to a strong start as Dan Ortega took down his opponent four times, and turned his opponent several time to earn a technical fall in the second period.
 
Jake Giordano started slow for the Lions at 133 falling behind 2-0 after the first period. Giordano righted the ship with a strong second period highlighted by a late takedown and four point near fall in the period's final seconds. He would take a 10-3 decision.
 
Following a forfeit win at 141, Anthony Gagliano continued the scoring for the Lions. Midway through the second period Gagliano forced both of his opponent's shoulders to the mat for the pin. Matthew Sacco scored more bonus points for the Lions, with a 17-1 technical fall at 157, ending the match midway through the second period. Anthony Rua took the forfeit for the Lions at 165, extending the team lead to 31-0.
 
Late in the first period, Dan Kilroy completed his eighth pin of the year to give the Lions a 37-0 lead.
 
After Hunter forfeited the 184 and 197 pound weight classes, TCNJ completed the sweep at heavyweight. Thomas Marretta used the strength of a first period takedown to go up 2-0. Each side chose bottom and escaped on the way to a 3-1 decision victory.
 
The Lions return to the mats Saturday at the John Reese Duals. TCNJ will face Scranton at 11 a.m., SUNY Oneonta at 12:30 p.m., and RIT at 2 p.m.

#7 TCNJ 52, Hunter 0
125 – Dan Ortega (TCNJ) T.F. Paul Wehr (Hunter) 18-2 4:14                         TCNJ Leads 5-0
133 – Jake Giordano (TCNJ) Dec. Andrew Cota (Hunter) 10-3                      TCNJ Leads 8-0
141 – Robert Dinger (TCNJ) Fft.                                                                     TCNJ Leads 14-0
149 – Anthony Gagliano (TCNJ) Pin Elliot Natanov (Hunter) 3:45                  TCNJ Leads 20-0
157 – Matthew Sacco (TCNJ) T.F. Shabab Khan (Hunter) 17-1 4:06              TCNJ Leads 25-0
165 – Anthony Rua (TCNJ) Fft.                                                                       TCNJ Leads 31-0
174 – Dan Kilroy (TCNJ) Pin Michael McCabe (Hunter) 2:49                         TCNJ Leads 37-0
184 – Reid Colella (TCNJ) Fft.                                                                        TCNJ Leads 43-0
197 – Quinn Haddad (TCNJ) Fft.                                                                    TCNJ Leads 49-0
285 – Thomas Marretta (TCNJ) Dec. Jacob Raboy (Hunter) 3-1                   TCNJ Wins 52-0