UNIVERISTY HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Cleveland State University wrestling team got off to a fast start and finished strong in winning its season opener, 31-9, at John Carroll Friday evening.

CSU, which featured a lineup consisting of four freshmen and three sophomores, had three wins by fall on the evening, including two that were picked up by rookies in impressive fashion.

Senior Nick Corba was the first Viking to wrestle in the 2016-17 season as he got the match underway at the 184 weight class. After taking a three-point lead after the first period, the veteran would net a pin 4:14 into the bout.

The next two bouts went the way of the host Blue Streaks as they picked up decisions over a pair of CSU freshmen at 197 and 285.

Freshman Spencer Dusi got the momentum back for the Vikings as he dominated from the get-go in his first collegiate match and won by fall just 1:51 into the proceedings.

JCU had a win by decision at 133 to pull within three points in the team scoring, but Cleveland State went on to win each of the final five matches.

Sophomore Evan Cheek battled back from a deficit after the second period to take a 5-3 decision at 141. Redshirt senior RJ LaBeef followed suit as he rallied from a deficit after two periods to claim a 3-2 decision at 149.

Sophomore Grant Turnmire kept the momentum going in an action-packed bout at 157. Turnmire broke out of the gates quickly as he led 8-1 after the first period. He eventually held on for a 22-15 decision.

Sophomore John Vaughn followed with a victory of a contrasting style as he limited the scoring opportunities for his opponent as he pitched the shutout with a major decision victory.

Freshman Devon Pingel ended the night by wasting no time in starting his career on a high note as he won by fall just 21 seconds into the bout.

CSU will be right back in action this Sunday, Nov. 13, as it participates in the Ohio Intercollegiate Open, hosted by Case Western.

Cleveland State 31, John Carroll 9
184: Nick Corba (CSU) over Kevin Khoma (JCU) – Fall 4:14
197: Mason Litz (JCU) over Collin Kelly (CSU) – Dec. 10-5
285: Trey Ellis (JCU) over Michael Furbee (CSU) – Dec. 7-4
125: Spencer Dusi (CSU) over Dominic Devine (JCU) – Fall 1:51
133: Mitch Tikkanen (JCU) over John Martin (CSU) – Dec. 7-4
141: Evan Cheek (CSU) over Mason Daugherty (JCU) – Dec. 5-3
149: RJ LaBeef (CSU) over Jarrad Lasko (JCU) – Dec. 3-2
157: Grant Turnmire (CSU) over Blake Dixon (JCU) – Dec. 22-15
165: John Vaughn (CSU) over Jimmy Suhayda (JCU) – MD 8-0
174: Devon Pingel (CSU) over Christian Hipsher (JCU) – Fall 0:21