Ryder beats on Dukes

Amy Paterson / senior photographer JMU lost to Ryder University, 32-18, and to Appalachian State University, 43-3, Saturday in Godwin Gym.

The wrestling team continued its season-long struggle this weekend, as it hosted conference opponent Rider University and non-conference opponent Appalachian State University Saturday.

"We just weren't wrestling well," assistant coach Chris Pirch said. "We didn't have enough intensity, and it was obvious that we need to improve our attitudes to become more positive and physical."

JMU lost to Rider, 32-18, and 34-3 against Appalachian State, bringing the Dukes' record to 2-15 in duals and 1-8 in the Colonial Athletic Association — 10th in the conference.

In the final match vs. Rider, red-shirt sophomore heavyweight Chris Cvitan pinned Carmelo Marrero, who is ranked No. 1 in the conference and No. 8 in the country. Cvitan came back from a 10-5 deficit in the third period to win by pinfall.

"I saw that I was down, and so I wanted to come back in the third," Cvitan said. "I knew I could keep it close — he was about 15 pounds heavier than me — but I wanted it. I was definitely happy with that match today."

With the pinfall, Cvitan earned his fifth career victory, and is slated to meet two more nationally ranked challengers this season.

"Cvitan is a lot quicker than other heavyweights because he is a lot lighter; this really helps his technique," senior co-captain Steve Broglie said.

Junior Justin Gronlie, currently ranked sixth in the CAA, was the only other Duke to record a win against Rider. Gronlie collected his first victory of the season, winning the 197-pound weight class by pinfall.

Against Appalachian State, senior co-captain Todd Schroeder was the sole victor for the Dukes, winning the 133-pound weight class over Terreyl Williams.

"We're a young team — we graduated nine seniors last year," Schroeder said. "It's only a good learning experience for the younger guys, and, hopefully, they can learn from our setbacks."

The team will host its final home match of the season against conference foe Old Dominion University Thursday, at 7 p.m. in Godwin Gym.