NEW YORK, N.Y. (Dec. 21, 2014) - In its debut at the "The World's Most Famous Arena" on Sunday, the LIU Post wrestling team fell by a 33-6 decision to Minnesota State Moorhead at the third-annual Grapple at the Garden at Madison Square Garden.

The Pioneers (1-9) were victors at the 133- and 197-lb. weight classes in the losing effort. First, at 133, freshman Joe Calderone (Huntington Station, N.Y.) got two late reversals in a hard-fought 7-6 win versus Blake Bosch (Wishek, N.D.). Then, at 197, senior Chris DiIorio (Holtsville, N.Y.) wrestled Chris Bascon (San Diego, Calif.) to a 16-10 triumph.

In the 141-lb. bout, senior Philippe Walker (Baltimore, Md.) rallied in the third period with three near fall points to defeat Jesse Meaney (Toms River, N.J.), 8-3. Freshman Ed Ramirez, Jr. (Massapequa, N.Y.) put up a tough fight, as well, at 161, but a minute-plus of riding time was the decider in a 3-2 loss to Dan Murakami (Anchorage, Alaska).

Head Coach Joe Patrovich and his LIU Post squad return to the mat after the New Year, when they compete at Roger Williams' Scott Viera Invitational on Jan. 10 in Bristol, R.I. Action is scheduled for a 10 a.m. start.

LIU Post vs. Minnesota State Moorhead - Dec. 21, 2014
125 - Shane Novak (MSUM) def. Tyler Walsh (LIU) by pinfall (2:51)
133 - Joe Calderone (LIU) def. Blake Bosch (MSUM), 7-6
141 - Philippe Walker (MSUM) def. Jesse Meaney (LIU), 8-3
149 - Isaac Novacek (MSUM) def. Matt Langan (LIU), 14-10
157 - Garret Hoffner (MSUM) def. Jackson Mordente (LIU), 2-0
165 - Dan Murakami (MSUM) def. Ed Ramirez, Jr. (LIU), 3-2
174 - Michael Joseph (MSUM) def, Corey Ashe (LIU) by pinfall (2:09)
184 - Shawn Porter (MSUM) def. Ronnie King (LIU) by pinfall (1:58)
197 - Chris Dilorio (LIU) def. Chris Bascon (MSUM), 16-10
285 - Nader Abdullatif (MSUM) def. James Louison (LIU), 9-3