HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (February 9, 2023) -- Despite a quick start from the host Centenary University, the King's College wrestling team battled to the finish in a 25-14 loss in Hackettstown on Thursday night. With the loss, the Monarchs drop to 4-5 overall in duals, while the Cyclones improve to 6-2.
 
The host Centenary (6-2) won the first three bouts of the night as Gus Petruske IV fell to Jack Thode at 125 before Cole Anderson dropped a 10-1 major decision to Daniel Haws in the 133 bout. Centenary's Xavier Pena then put the hosts ahead, 15-0, with a technical fall win over Hugh Bittenbender at 141.
 
King's (4-5) got on the board at 149 as Shane Kibler posted a strong 13-6 decision win over Mark Venson. The Cyclones rallied in the 157 match up as Bret Murphy fell in a hard-fought match by an 8-3 decision to Cameron Bruffy.
 
Back-to-back wins for the Monarchs saw Francis Theroux pick up a 10-2 major decision win at 165 over Perry Maio before Kade Kravits also came up big with a major decision victory, 14-2, against Angelo Piazza in the 174 contest to pull King's within 18-11.
 
Centenary would come out on top in the next two weight classes as Connor Wrobleski saw his winning streak snapped with a 7-4 decision to Justin Hopman in the 184 action, while Richard Fronheiser dropped a 10-1 major decision at 197 to Keevon Berry.
 
Jacob Feese would get one final chance to put points on the board for the Monarchs, and he successfully outlasted Dalton Deevey in the heavyweight bout with a 4-1 decision. Despite the win in the final regulation bout, the Monarchs fell by the 25-14 final to the host Centenary on Thursday night.
 
The Monarchs are set to return to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to prepare to host a tri-meet on Sunday afternoon. King's will host Hunter College to start the day at noon before taking on the University of Scranton in the final meet of the day in McGrane Gymnasium.