FAIRFAX, Va. – The Long Island University wrestling team earned its first victory against a Division I opponent when it defeated Gardner-Webb University at the Patriot Duals on Friday, Dec. 6.
 
The Sharks finished 1-3 on the day, dropping a narrow decision (24-18) to Davidson College before suffering setbacks to the Virginia Military Institute (29-12) and the host George Mason University (43-6). LIU is now 2-11 in dual matches this season.
 
Freshman Jimmy Ryan was outstanding for the Sharks, finishing 4-0 on the day at 125, earning three decision and pinning VMI's John McGarry. Junior Mark Malico added two wins by decision, while freshman Michael Blando picked up two wild victories, pinning Gardner-Webb's Brandon Bright in 1:50 and outlasting Davidson's David Loniewski by a 27-21 final.
 
LIU was forced to forfeit its bouts at 133, dropping six points in each of its four duals on the day. Despite the setback, the Blue and Gold took a 12-6 lead at the midway point of the dual with Davidson in the day's opener when senior Dominick Demarco earned an overtime victory against Hunter Costa at 157. The Wildcats took an 18-12 lead after 174 before the Sharks tied the match with six points behind senior Dan McClure's pin of Lachian Rosato during the third period. The Wildcats closed the match with decisions at 197 and 285 to earn the win.
 
The Sharks bounced back against Gardner-Webb, taking a 9-6 lead after 141 when Blando pinned Bright. A forfeit at 149 and a decision win by Demarco gave LIU an 18-8 lead at the midway point. Despite earning nine points at the next two weight classes, McClure put LIU back up by six points with a 3-0 decision over Christian Salter. Sophomore Tim Nagosky clinched the match during the heavyweight bout, earning a 7-4 decision over Gabriel Picket to give LIU the 24-18 win.
 
Ryan gave LIU a 6-0 edge to begin its dual with VMI with a second-period pin of McGarry, but the Keydets took control by winning six of the next eight contested bouts. The Sharks earned two wins in its final match of the day against the Patriots but were unable to get by George Mason.
 
LIU opens Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association competition on Saturday, Dec. 14 when it travels to Philadelphia to grapple with Drexel University at 5:00 p.m.