In their home opener, the John Carroll Blue Streaks wrestling team hung tough against NCAA Division I competition, but fell short. 

JCU lost the dual to the Cleveland State University Vikings by a score of 31-9 on Friday evening in the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center.

After an honorary moment of silence recognizing Veterans Day, the Blue Streaks tallied three victories in a tightly contested non-conference bout.

Cleveland State was the first to break the scoring barrier courtesy of senior Nick Corba's opening match win (fall, 4:14) over junior Kevin Khoma at the 184-pound weight class to yield the Vikings an early 6-0 advantage.

The tables turned within minutes thanks to the tactical prowess of sophomore Mason Litz (dec., 10-5) to put JCU on the board and cut the deficit to three (6-3). The middle stages of the meet involved a swinging pendulum of momentum as the two programs continued to trade victories. Freshman Trey Ellis earned his first collegiate win (dec., 7-4) in a 285 lb. match with Mike Furbee.

Moments after CSU claimed the 125-pound weight class, sophomore Mitch Tikkanen (133-pounds) showcased his talent in a defeat of John Martin, narrowing the margin to three once more (12-9).

Cleveland State regained its form by winning the final five matches at the 141, 149, 157, 165, and 174-pound weight classes to add 19 points to its stat line. The Blue and Gold battled hard but a 21-second pin in the 174-pound class ended matters.

Next on the winter slate for the Blue Streaks is a quartet of matchups at the JCU Wrestling Duals against Lourdes University, Alfred State College, Adrian College, Lycoming College and Otterbein University.. All the action is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. from the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center on Sunday.

Final Results
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 Mike 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 (Fall 0:21)