RESULTS

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - In a dramatic season opener dual, Menlo Men's Wrestling pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Western Colorado 24-19 in front of a well-traveled home crowd at the Don Nasser Family Plaza. 

Taam Continues to Shine
The dual meet didn't start in the Oaks' favor. After dropping the 125 and 133-pound matches by fall and technical fall, the Oaks quickly found themselves in a 0-11 deficit. However, freshman Tyger Taam continued his impressive start to the season with a composed 10-4 decision at 141, scoring Menlo's first team points of the dual. 

Despite Taam's spark, the Oaks gave up major decisions at 149 and 157lbs, digging into a 3-19 hole at the halfway point. 

Tapia and Morales Brothers Spark the Comeback
Senior Kanaipono Tapia would ignite the comeback starting at 165lbs, racking up five takedowns to close out a dominant 19-3 tech fall. The momentum carried into 174lbs with fellow senior Isaiah Morales earning a first-period pin just before the buzzer, cutting the team's deficit 14-19. 

Joseph Estrada returned to the mat after sitting out last season and made his Menlo debut count at 184lbs. Estrada would slap in a tight cradle to give himself a 7-point cushion and held on for a key decision victory. 

Diego Morales turned in one of the night's most dominant performances at 197lbs, scoring six takedowns to earn himself the technical fall and give Menlo the 21-19 lead.

Then the dual came down to heavyweight Cole Steketee who delivered under pressure. Steketee would show a composed and controlled match with 2 takedowns to win 7-1 and seal the comeback victory for the Oaks. A very special win for the Oaks was made even sweeter as brothers Isaiah and Diego Morales took the mat together in the lineup for the first time in their Menlo careers. 

Up Next…
Menlo will head to Prescott, AZ next for the ERAU Mile High Open on November 15, looking to keep the momentum rolling and bring home more hardware back to Atherton.

Follow all the action this season through menloathletics.com by using our livestream, bracket, and ticket links!