FRESNO, Calif. – November 10, 2023

The Fresno State Wrestling Club hosted the inaugural NCWA Veterans Day Duals on Friday at the South Gym on the Fresno State campus. The event marked the first edition of the “Battle for the Belt,” with teams competing in both men’s and women’s divisions for the inaugural NCWA Veterans Day Duals Championship belts.

The dual-format event continued Fresno State’s tradition of hosting competitions during Veterans Day weekend, while expanding the scope to include a conference-wide annual showcase.

“We’ve made a tradition of hosting dual events here at Fresno State during Veterans Day weekend, and I wanted to expand it into an annual event our conference members can look forward to attending,” said interim head coach Jovany Gonzalez. “I want this event to be the corner stone in which our athletes are able to wrestle at home in front of their friends and family.”

WOMEN’S RECAP

Led by team captain 155lbs – Vanessa Mares, the Fresno State women’s squad turned in a strong performance, finishing the day with a 2–1 dual record and advancing to the dual finals.

Normally a 136-pound competitor, Mares moved up nearly 20 pounds to 155lbs to help solidify the lineup, providing leadership and stability for a young Fresno State roster throughout the day.

Fresno State opened the event with a narrow victory over Utah Tech, highlighted by decisive performances in the middle weights and bonus-point efforts that proved critical in the team score. The Bulldogs followed with a convincing win over UC Riverside, using momentum and lineup flexibility to secure their second dual victory of the event.

In the dual finals, Fresno State faced Santa Rosa Junior College, where the Bulldogs ran into a deep and experienced lineup. Despite the loss, the women’s squad showed resilience and gained valuable experience competing in a championship dual setting early in the season.

WoMEN’S DUAL RESULTS

Fresno State 24, Utah Tech 18
Fresno State 24, UC Riverside 12
Santa Rosa Junior College 42, Fresno State 6

WOMEN’S LINEUP

101lbs – Brianna Marshall
109lbs – Jasmin Ruiz
116lbs – Open
123lbs – Open
130lbs – Alexus Chavira
136lbs – Jamilynne Gonzalez
143lbs – Ebony Cardenas
155lbs – Vanessa Mares
170lbs – Peyton Manning
191lbs – Open
235lbs – Open

MEN’S RECAP

The Fresno State men’s team, led by senior 197lbs – Justin Nieves, competed in a demanding slate of duals against Utah Tech and UC Riverside, finishing the event with a 1–2 overall team record.

Against Utah Tech, the Bulldogs were tested by multiple lineups, with Fresno State earning key individual performances in the upper weights and gaining valuable mat time across the roster. Technical fall victories from 141lbs – Benito Saldivar and 197lbs – Justin Nieves stood out as highlights during the duals.

Fresno State closed the event on a high note with a 42–12 victory over UC Riverside, producing several bonus-point wins and strong efforts throughout the lineup to secure the team result.

MEN’S DUAL RESULTS

Utah Tech (A) 36, Fresno State 16
Utah Tech (B) 39, Fresno State 11
Fresno State 42, Fresno State 12

MEN’S LINEUP

125lbs – Open
133lbs – Gabriel Martinez, Nathen Diaz, Titus Mouanoutoua
141lbs – Benito Saldivar
149lbs – Damian Galvan-Calderon, Jesus Jimenez, William Wareham
157lbs – Gregory Garrett
165lbs – Open
174lbs – Open
184lbs – Steven Alcocer
197lbs – Justin Nieves
235lbs – Diara Spencer, Michael Brent, Delfino Baltazar
285lbs – Otilio Carrillo, Carlos Hernandez, John Pegorari