Fresno State Advances to Championship Pool at NCWA Western Regional Duals
ABERDEEN, Wash. – January 27–28, 2024
The Fresno State Wrestling Club competed in a demanding two-day, NCWA-only dual-meet format at the Western Regional Duals and Women’s National Duals, hosted by Grays Harbor College.
The event featured conference opponents from across the western region and served as a key team-based measuring stick as programs jockeyed for postseason positioning.
MEN’S RECAP
Fresno State opened the tournament in Pool A, where the Bulldogs delivered steady team performances across multiple duals. At the conclusion of pool play, Fresno State finished first in Pool A via tiebreakers, earning advancement into the Championship Pool on Day 2.
Throughout the weekend, Fresno State relied on consistency in the middle and upper weights to generate momentum in the dual format. 141lbs – Benito Saldivar provided stability in the center of the lineup, while 235lbs – Diara Spencer made his return to competition after earlier injury setbacks and immediately re-established a physical presence in the NCWA 235-pound weight class, securing key wins against ranked conference opponents.
184lbs – Justin Nieves, now down a weight at 184lbs, served as a cornerstone of the lineup. After dominating at his new weight, Nieves made a one-time move up to 197lbs to set up a rematch of the Mat Cat semi finals against Joshua Luna, providing Fresno State an opportunity to compete head-to-head in a key dual matchup.
Fresno State completed seven duals across the two-day event and finished fourth overall in the Western Regional standings. The Bulldogs were scheduled to conclude competition against Washington State but were forced to forfeit the dual due to travel constraints, as the team needed to depart early to catch its return flight.
MEN’S DUAL RESULTS
Pool A – Day 1
RD1 – Fresno State 35, Wayne State 18
RD2 – Fresno State 30, Grays Harbor 22
RD3 – Fresno State 51, Western Washington 0
RD4 – Colorado State 32, Fresno State 30
Championship Pool – Day 2
RD5 – Fresno State 35, Wayne State 27
RD6 – Colorado State 31, Fresno State 30
RD7 – Menlo College 44, Fresno State 12
RD8 – Washington State 3, Fresno State 0 (Travel Departure)
MEN’S LINEUP
125lbs – Jerry Coleman
133lbs – Nathen Diaz
141lbs – Benito Saldivar
149lbs – Damian Galvan-Calderon
157lbs – Nathan Vargas
165lbs – Adan Solis
174lbs – Open
184lbs – Justin Nieves
197lbs – Open
235lbs – Diara Spencer
285lbs – Michael Brent
WOMEN’S RECAP
The Fresno State women’s team competed in the NCWA Women’s National Duals, facing one of the most challenging schedules of the season against established NCWA programs competing at the national level.
Entering the tournament with a young and developing lineup, Fresno State was tested throughout the dual format against experienced opponents. The weekend served as a humbling but valuable learning opportunity as the Bulldogs continued to build depth and gain exposure to the level of competition required at the national stage.
At 136lbs, Vanessa Mares entered the event as Fresno State’s anchor and faced immediate adversity. In a difficult opening match, Mares was on track for a victory in her bout when her opponent attempted a desperation throw. Mares posted on the way down and suffered an elbow injury, forcing her to medical forfeit out of the match and remainder of the tournament.
WOMEN’S DUAL RESULTS
RD1 – Grays Harbor College 48, Fresno State 18
RD2 – Utah Tech University 48, Fresno State 18
RD3 – Ottawa University Arizona 52, Fresno State 6
RD4 – Washington State University 60, Fresno State 6
WOMEN’S LINEUP
101lbs – Jasmin Ruiz
109lbs – Darlene Ortiz
116lbs – Natalia Villalobos
123lbs – Jennifer Rios
130lbs – Ebony Cardenas
136lbs – Vanessa Mares
143lbs – Alexus Chavira
155lbs – Open
170lbs – Peyton Manning
191lbs – Open
235lbs – Open
