Bulldogs Battle Through Adversity in Southern California
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – February 7, 2015
The Fresno State Wrestling Club hit the road for a Southern California tri-dual against NCWA rivals USC and UCLA on February 7, 2015. With several starters unavailable and injuries forcing lineup adjustments, the Bulldogs still made the most of the trip, showcasing determination and competitive fire against two established programs.
Fresno State 35, USC 39
In the opening dual of the day, Fresno State narrowly fell to USC, 39–35. Despite forfeiting five weight classes due to a short travel roster, the Bulldogs battled their way back into contention with key individual performances.
At 149 lbs, Jovany Gonzalez took on two-time NCWA All-American Nick Cegelski. While Cegelski ultimately controlled the match, Gonzalez was able to avoid the pin, saving critical team points in what turned out to be a close dual.
Mason Temple (165 lbs) wrestled a tight bout against returning national qualifier Armand Farrokh, coming just shy in a hard-fought contest. The swing match proved costly on the scoreboard.
A standout moment came from Davit Gevorgyan, who made a significant leap in weight, bumping from 157 up to 184 lbs to help the team fill holes. Gevorgyan delivered, earning a pinfall victory and giving Fresno State a late surge of momentum.
Wrestlers who took the mat included:
149 lbs - Jovany Gonzalez
157 lbs – Eric Vandell
165 lbs – Mason Temple
174 lbs – Cameron MacLeod
184 lbs – Davit Gevorgyan
235 lbs - Jose Maldonado
The final outcome came down to forfeits, but the team’s effort reflected its resilience and commitment to taking on tough challenges, even while shorthanded.
Fresno State 34, UCLA 54
The Bulldogs faced a deep and well-prepared UCLA squad in the afternoon matchup. Fresno State again gave up multiple forfeits and had to shift its lineup after Mason Temple was sidelined due to an injury sustained in the USC dual.
Despite the hurdles, the dual opened with energy, as Jovany Gonzalez (149 lbs) set the tone by pinning his opponent in the opening bout. Unfortunately, the early momentum was short-lived, as UCLA’s roster depth and firepower quickly turned the tide.
Kevin Pereira (157 lbs) was matched up with Youssef Aref, a ranked wrestler in the NCWA ranks. At 165 lbs, Eric Vandell also faced a steep challenge, taking on ranked UCLA standout Gabe Urreola. Both Bulldogs showed grit despite being outmatched by highly credentialed opponents.
Davit Gevorgyan, once again wrestling two weight classes up at 174 lbs, continued to shine, picking up his second pinfall victory of the day and proving to be one of the team’s most consistent and clutch performers.
Wrestlers who took the mat included:
149 lbs - Jovany Gonzalez
157 lbs – Kevin Pereira
165 lbs – Eric Vandell
174 lbs – Davit Gevorgyan
184 lbs – Cameron MacLeod
235 lbs - Jose Maldonado
The meet also featured women’s exhibition matches, continuing the growth of Fresno State’s women’s wrestling program.
Amanda Ortiz (109 lbs) battled in a close match but was caught late.
Rossana Aguilar (123 lbs) secured a dominant win, keeping her momentum going and reinforcing the progress of the women’s side.
Fresno State now sets its sights on the 2015 NCWA California State Championships, which the club will host next weekend. With key experience gained and momentum building, the Bulldogs aim to put together their strongest performance of the season in front of a home crowd.
