Grapplers can’t navigate through tough field

All three were eliminated on the first day of wrestling at the Dome.

TACOMA – The road to Mat Classic is difficult enough.

To place is another matter entirely.

Three Bainbridge wrestlers had their chances, but couldn’t get through a tough field, ultimately falling on the first day at Mat Classic XX last weekend in the Tacoma Dome.

Eli Narte dropped two straight in the 135-pound category, as he lost to Kelso’s Anthony Hughes by pinfall, then lost to Arlington’s Nathan Shortt by pinfall in the second period of his consolation match.

Mathew Ritualo lost his first match to Enumclaw’s Wayne Horton by pinfall in the 130-pound category.

He rebounded to defeat Timberline’s Connor Adams by a 10-1 decision in his consolation match.

He scored two takedowns in the first period, then earned a takedown and a nearfall in the third to seal the deal.

Ritualo was later defeated by White River’s Jeremy Gurule by a 7-0 decision.

Keith Robert lost to Shelton’s Alex Cannon by a 11-4 decision in his opening match in the 152-pound category, as the senior had trouble overcoming his speed.

He came back to blank a familiar opponent in West Seattle’s Jesse Roark by a 9-0 decision, scoring a nearfall by keeping Roark down for a huge chunk of the second period, then cementing the win with a takedown and a nearfall in the third period.

But the senior co-captain couldn’t make it past Sunnyside’s Danny Alvarez in the following consolation match, losing in a 5-2 decision.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.