BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University wrestling team opened up 2025 with a pair of victories in their duals on Saturday in the RWU Campus Rec Center, securing victories over King's College, 27-22, and New England College (NEC), 33-14.
In a closely contested dual against King's College, RWU emerged victorious.

The match began with King's taking an early lead, as Patrick Horvath pinned Zachary Henault in the 125 pounds category. However, RWU's Shaun McLaughlin quickly responded with a fall against Cole Anderson at 133 pounds, leveling the score.

The turning point came when Matt Lucas secured a fall against Costello in the 165 pounds, putting RWU ahead. Despite King's efforts, including a fall by Jacob Hachtman 174 pounds., Michael Forte and Jayden Toppan sealed the win with decisive falls at 197 lbs and 285 lbs, respectively.

RWU continued their momentum against NEC, opening up the match NEC's Bobur Berdiyorov winning by fall at 141 pounds, but RWU swiftly regained control. Nick Fatone and Gordon Murray's back-to-back falls at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively, set the tone for the remainder of the dual.

Lucas earned a technical fall victory in the 165-pound match. The Hawks extended their lead with wins by Jayden Curley, Michael Forte, and Michael Toppan in the subsequent bouts. Despite a late push by NEC, including Lavasta's victory over Jayden Toppan in the heavyweight category, RWU secured the win with McLaughlin's 8-2 decision over Follo at 133 pounds.

Roger Williams (7-3, 2-2 NEWA) will take part in the North / South Duals at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. on Saturday, Jan. 11. The Hawks will then host WPI and Trinity (Conn.) for a pair of New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) duals on Saturday, Jan. 18 in the Campus Rec Center Field House.