HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The No. 8 TCNJ wrestling team opened the new year with a dominating 43-3 victory over in-state foe Centenary on Friday night.
 
The Lions (5-2) got pins from Matthew Griffin and Nick Sacco while Kyle Nase and Michael Conklin each scored significant victories over nationally ranked opponents.
 
Griffin got the night started in impressive fashion, pinning Jack Thode – ranked No. 2 in the region – in the second period at 125.
 
Nase followed with a signature result at 133, scoring a 5-0 decision at 133 against Danny Haws, who came in ranked 13^th in the nation.
 
After Sam Kotch edged out an 8-6 victory over Joseph Innamorato at 141, Conklin rolled past 9^th-ranked Xavier Pena, 11-2, in a matchup of nationally ranked standouts at 149.
 
Sacco pinned Mark Venson with 5 seconds left in the first period of their 165-pound tilt.
 
Jimmy Dolan cruised to a 17-4 major decision at 174 in his dual debut, and James Romaine notched an 18-2 technical fall at 184.
 
The Cyclones (3-2) broke up the shutout bid with a decision at 197.
 
J.J. Giordano (157) and Matt Coon (285) won by forfeit for TCNJ.
 
NOTES

• The Lions notched the 798^th win in program history
• Griffin's pin was his third of the season and the 40^th win of his career
• Nase improved to 7-0 in dual matches on the year
• Sacco recorded his fourth pin of the campaign
• Conklin is a perfect 6-0 in duals

UP NEXT

• TCNJ heads to Iowa for the NWCA National Duals next weekend