Gomes, Morales Lead Wrestling at Wildcat Open

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Juniors Wilson Gomes (Fogo Cape Verde) and Edwin Morales (Philadelphia, Pa.) each placed second in their respective weight class to lead the Bridgewater State University wrestling team on Saturday at the non-scoring Wildcap Open hosted by Johnson & Wales University.

Gomes went 2-1 out of the 125-pound weight class. He pinned (2:16) Brendon Tanner of Alfred State in his opening bout before posting a 15-3 major decision over Ben Dubois of Roger Williams University in the semifinals. In the championship bout, Gomes dropped a tough 9-4 decision to Justin Lopez of host Johnson & Wales. Lopes entered the day ranked third in New England in the 125-pound weight class, while Gomes was ranked eighth.

Morales went 3-1 out of the 184-pound weight class including a first-round pin (1:28) of Sacred Heart's Owen Ayottu. Following a 19-4 technical fall victory over Thomas Domerese of Shenandoah University, Morales posted a 9-0 major decision over Bailey O'Brien of host Johnson & Wales in the semifinals to earn a spot in the championship bout. Due to injury, however, Morales lost by medical forfeit to Michael Conrad of Stevens Tech. in the finals.

Gomes improves to 17-5 on the season and leads the team with eight pins, while Morales is now 10-3 on the year.

The BSU wrestling team is back in action on Sunday morning when the Bears compete at the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Dual Meet Tournament also hosted by Johnson & Wales. Bridgewater will take on Springfield College at 9:30 in the opening round of the tournament.