Wresting in 5th Place After Day One Action of Pretrofes Invitational

GRANTHAM, Pa. -- The Bridgewater State University wrestling team is in fifth place with 58 points after day one of the Messiah Petrofes Invitational.

Junior Ken Francis (New Bedford, Mas.), senior Ethan Raymond (Middlebury, Vt.) and freshman Ricky Caruso (Waltham, Mass.) all advanced to the semifinals of their respective weight classes.

Francis, the top seed in the 125-pound class, posted a pair of wins by decision in his only two bouts of the day.  He will take on Ray Yagloski of Johns Hopkins in the tournament semifinals on Saturday.

Raymond, seeded sixth at 165, won by decision in his opening match before pinning number three seed Benjamin Marich of Wikes in 2:19. Raymond will meet number two seed John Archambeau of Springfield College in the tournement semifinals on Saturday.

Caruso pulled off a pair of upsets on his way to a perfect 3-0 mark in the heavweight bracket.  He knocked off number six Kevin Poplaski of Gettysburg, 5-2, and third seeded Derick Hesson of Mount Union, 3-1, in overtime.  Caruso is matched up with number two seed Ron Fusco of Springfield College in the tournament semifinals.

After being upset in his first bout of the day, top seeded Zachary Bates (Leyden, Mass.) finished the day with three straight victories, including a pin, in the wrestleback.