CHADRON, Neb. (January 29, 2022) - Colorado State University Pueblo wrestling dropped a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference match against Chadron State 26-14, Saturday in Nebraska.

CSU Pueblo picked up four wins in the dual led by major decision victories from Gavin Melendez (R-Sr., Los Banos, Calif.) and Justin Davis (R-Jr., Pueblo, Colo.). Ruben Garcia (Sr., Selma, Calif.) and Ben Gould (So., Canyon Country, Calif.) both held on in their matches and earned one-point victories.

In the 149 pound match, Melendez recorded six takedowns against Chadron's Chance Bockenstedt and added an escape point and a bonus point for ride time to come away with a convincing 14-5 win.

At the end of the first period, Melendez had gained a 6-2 lead and in the second period, Melendez started on top and kept control throughout. In the final period, he quickly escaped from the bottom and began his offensive attack, recording three additional takedowns.

In the next bout at 157 lbs., Davis went ahead 4-1 after one period with two quick takedowns against the Eagles' Dean Neff. Davis added six more points in the second period with a takedown and four-near fall points. He finished with an explosive third period, scoring eight points including three takedowns and a pair of escape points. One bonus point was added for ride time.

The next match at 165 pounds, Garcia went down 2-0 in the first period against Chadron's Javen Palmer. He evened the score in the second period after starting on bottom and earned a two-point reversal before the end of the period. In the final period starting neutral, Palmer scored a takedown and Garcia was quick to escape and back into the neutral. Trailing 4-3 with the clock ticking, Garcia was able to force a takedown and gained the 5-4 lead when the buzzer sounded.

At 197 lbs., Gould battled against his opponent Eli Hinojosa in a hard fought match. After a scoreless first period, Gould deferred and started the second period on top and Hinojosa earned an escape point and carried the 1-0 lead into the last period. Electing the bottom position to start, Gould earned an escape point and was active in earning a takedown for a 3-1 lead. Hinojosa was able to escape in the waning seconds but a strong defensive performance in the last seconds by Gould propelled him in the single-point, 3-2 win. 

Other close matches on the night, Parker McBride (Sr., Duvall, Wash.) lost a 5-3 decision against CSC's Quade Smith and at 285 pounds, Gavin Nye (R-Jr., Gerber, Calif.) dropped a 6-3 decision against Mason Watt.

CSU Pueblo returns home next week and host Western Colorado on Saturday at 6 p.m. inside Massari Arena. Ahead of the match, Pack Head Coach Dax Charles and his coaching staff will honor the departing seniors who will finish their careers at the end of the season.