The Kent state wrestling team earned its first win of the season in the Eastern Michigan Duals on Saturday against Lock Haven, winning by a score of 22-18.

The Flashes, now 1-3, did not enter the tournament with a strong start. Kent State fell to Michigan State 7-32 in their first dual of the tournament. After the team’s win against Lock Haven, the Flashes were defeated 20-15 by Chattanooga.

The Spartans came out in attack mode against the Flashes, winning the first six matches of the dual. However, Kent State did not make it easy for Michigan State.

The Flashes either had a third-period lead or a tie score on four different occasions, but the Spartans pulled away.

Fifth-year senior Caleb Marsh earned a huge third period for Kent State in a 12-0 major decision, and sophomore Mimmo Lytle recorded the Flashes second win over Michigan State with a 7-3 decision. Marsh and Lytle went 3-0 on the day.

Juniors Del Vinas and Mack McGuire each recorded victories to give the Flashes a 6-0 lead over Lock Haven. McGuire’s victory came on a takedown in overtime. Junior Mike DePalma widened the lead to 12-3 after being down 3-2 in the third.

A Lock Haven win at 197 made it 19-18, forcing a winner-take-all heavyweight bout.  After two periods, Lytle and Emerick were tied 2-2. An escape from Emerick and takedown by Lytle in the third period gave the Flashes their first win of the season, according to kentstatesports.com

Chattanooga took 6-of-10 matches from Kent State, including each of the first three. Fifth-year senior Andrew Candiello and Lytle both notched victories for the Flashes. With his dual tied 9-9, Candiello pinned Austin Sams with just 13 seconds left in the match. Lytle capped his impressive day with a 5-2 decision over Jared Johnson.

Juniors Ian Miller, Cole Baxter and freshman 125-pounder Anthony Tutolo were all out due to injuries.

“For having multiple guys out of the lineup, I’m glad we performed as well as we did,” Andrassy said in an interview with kentstatesports.com.  “I’m excited to see where we’ll be at as a team by Missouri (on Dec. 19).”

Kent State will return to the mat Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Navy Classic.

Contact Ray Strickland at [email protected].