Bulldogs Battle Through Adversity at NCWA Regional Duals
ST. GEORGE, Utah. — January 31-February 1, 2025
The Fresno State Wrestling Club entered the NCWA Western Regional Duals under circumstances far different than originally anticipated.
Following injuries, scheduling conflicts, and roster attrition throughout January, the Bulldogs found themselves severely shorthanded heading into one of the premier dual events on the NCWA calendar. Fresno State was without multiple starters on both the men's and women's sides, leaving significant holes throughout the lineup.
“We had effectively cancelled our participation in the tournament. We didn't have the roster availability to compete for a title," said Head Coach Jovany Gonzalez. “But at the 12th hour, we decided regardless of our circumstances, we will show up and we will compete."
After making the decision to attend, the Bulldogs boarded a late-night flight, arriving at their lodging around 2 a.m. Despite the challenges, Fresno State took the mat the following morning and battled through seven rounds of competition against programs from across the western United States.
While team results were impacted by numerous forfeits, the Bulldogs produced several strong individual performances throughout the weekend and showed resilience in difficult circumstances.
Men's Recap
Despite competing with a depleted lineup, Fresno State secured dual victories over Western Washington and Colorado State on its way to a seventh-place finish.
William Wareham and Damian Galvan led the way for the Bulldogs, each recording four victories during the tournament. Josiah Rowland added two wins, while Michael Brent picked up victories against Western Washington and Ottawa Arizona. Benito Saldivar also opened the tournament with a fall against Utah Tech.
MEN’S DUAL RESULTS
RD1 — Utah Tech 45, Fresno State 12
RD2 — Wayne State College 59, Fresno State 0
RD3 — Fresno State 24, Western Washington 24 (Fresno State won on criteria)
RD4 — Fresno State 19, Colorado State 18
RD5 — San Jose State 30, Fresno State 18
RD6 — UNLV 30, Fresno State 12
RD7 — Ottawa Arizona 42, Fresno State 9
MEN’S LINEUP
125lbs – Open
133lbs – Open
141lbs – Benito Saldivar
149lbs – William Wareham
157lbs –Damian Galvan
165lbs – Josiah Rowland
174lbs – Ayson Channita
184lbs – Open
197lbs – Open
235lbs – Michael Brent
285lbs – Open
Women's Recap
The Bulldogs' women faced similar challenges, competing with numerous open weight classes throughout the tournament. Despite the shortages, Fresno State continued to battle and was highlighted by the performances of Karma Pugh and Valeria Mendoza.
Pugh turned in one of the strongest performances of the weekend, finishing 6-1 with victories over opponents from Ottawa Arizona, Western Washington, UNLV, Colorado State, and Washington State. Her tournament concluded with a 17-7 major decision over Washington State's Reagan Fallon-Small. Mendoza added four victories for the Bulldogs while competing throughout the tournament lineup.
WOMEN’S DUAL RESULTS
RD1 — Ottawa Arizona 54, Fresno State 10
RD2 — Utah Tech 48, Fresno State 6
RD3 — Bye
RD4 — Western Washington 18, Fresno State 10
RD5 — UNLV 51, Fresno State 6
RD6 — Colorado State 24, Fresno State 12
RD7 — Washington State 60, Fresno State 4
WOMEN’S LINEUP
103lbs – Open
110lbs – Open
117lbs – Natalia Villalobos
124lbs – Valeria Mendoza
131lbs – Karma Pugh
138lbs – Open
145lbs – Open
160lbs – Open
180lbs – Open
207lbs – Open
240lbs – Open
