PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Wrestling team entered their opening match of the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Dual Championship against No. 8 WPI as the No. 9 seed in the tournament, falling 21-18.
 
Beginning the match at 125 pounds, Tanner Thatcher earned an early five points for the Engineers with a tech fall victory, 16-1, ahead of Charlie Pavis who pinned his opponent at 133 pounds in 5:00. The Hawks would pick up their first points of the match at 141 pounds, with Gavin McKenna earning a tight 6-4 victory by decision. A win for Mason Basara would extend the WPI lead back to 11, ahead of Matt Lucas earning a 4-0 victory to put the score of the match at 14-6.
 
WPI earned another three points at 165 pounds, but Jayden Curley and Michael Forte each earned three points with wins by decision, putting the team score at 17-12. Nicolas LeSieur sealed the match for the Engineers, winning his match by major decision, tallying four points, ahead of Jayden Toppan closing the dual with a win by fall, over Trevor Bowen.
 
Roger Williams (11-5, 4-4 NEWA) will take on No. 16 seed Bridgewater State in the second round of duals on Sunday.