The Mustangs took the blue and gold mat on Wednesday, January 8,  for the first time since last season. Wednesday’s dual meet was a conference match up, the winner will be a step closer to winning the coveted conference championship that the Manville Mustangs were able to run away with last season.

Wednesday nights dual started off at 145 pounds where star freshman, Danny Wildgoose earned a gritty 4-1 decision win against the Canucks Stewart Del Romero. The Mustangs would go on to take the next 3 matches, one of them by pin. 

At 182 North Plainfield was able to sneak out a close decision, but the Mustangs immediately respond with a 12-1 major decision win by Alex Abarca. North Plainfield took the next two matches, one by pin and another by a close 1-0 decision. 

At 106, Manville’s Bryan Rojas received a forfeit, bringing the score to 22-12 with the Mustangs holding onto a comfortable lead. At 113, Manville loses a 25-12 barn burner; and then at 120, the Canucks pick up a quick pin bringing the team score to a close 25-22.

The Mustangs see Brandon Flores at 126 for the first time in his career. However the new weight seems to be no problem for Flores as he picks up a major decision for Manville. Then at 132, Nick Colombaroni picks up a 10-3 decision and the Mustangs forfeit at 138 bringing the final score to 32-28.

Manville gets to leave a packed home gym with a huge conference win, one step closer repeating last seasons success by winning a conference championship. Be sure to support the Mustangs the next time they step on the blue and gold mat when they take on the Boonton Bombers this Friday, January 17th.