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SF State’s wrestling team lost a close match against the California Baptist University Lancers today at the Swamp. The loss puts SF State’s season at 7-7 in dual meets.

Despite the loss, numerous Gator wrestlers racked up solid wins. Seniors Isaiah Jimenez, 165 lbs, won by major decision, and Naveed Bagheri, 141 lbs, won by decision.

Both Conrad Snell, 149 lbs, and Isaiah Hurtado, 133 lbs, picked up pins in today’s duel. However, the Gators could not overthrow the Lancers, giving up three consecutive matches and one forfeit due to injury in the heavyweight class.

Despite the tough loss, SF State wrestling head coach Lars Jensen is optimistic for tomorrow’s California Collegiate Open, hosted by SF State. Jensen mentioned a few wrestlers he expects to top the podium at tomorrow’s tournament.

“Hurtado is looking pretty good, Naveed is looking pretty good, Isaiah (Jimenez) isn’t looking bad either. All of our 149 pounders (Conrad, Phillipy and Flores)… that’s where we’re looking at to get some placers, (and) get some confidence,” Jensen said.

Jimenez — ranked sixth nationwide in his weight class for Division II — made today’s individual win, and his tenth in a row. Even with the win, Jimenez knows there is still room for improvement before tomorrow’s California Collegiate Open.

“I just gotta finish my takedowns. Like today I was moving a lot better, but I want to get a lot smoother transitions from my setups to my shots to my finishes and all that,” Jimenez said. “Hopefully it comes out tomorrow.”

Jensen concluded by saying that tomorrow would be a big opportunity for both starters and redshirt wrestlers alike.

“We’re expecting some big things,” Jensen said. “Hopefully we’ll get some champions.”

Tomorrow’s California Collegiate Open will be held in SF State’s gymnasium and start at 9 a.m.