By By Tim Roberston

WEEKEND IN VEGAS

The Pride will travel to Las Vegas this weekend for the 24th annual Cliff Keen Invitational, a tournament they placed third in last season. Joining the Pride in the tournament are powerhouses like Cornell University, Edinboro University, the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. Although the seeds will not be determined until the beginning of the invitational, the Pride could face any one of these nationally ranked teams, other Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) teams or even Oregon State University, who recently knocked off the Pride at home.

NEW MONTH AHEAD

After a sub-par November, the Pride needs to turn the season around. The team will have a good opportunity in Las Vegas, but will be face many tough tests. How the team competes this weekend could determine the success of the season. Senior Mike Patrovich and sophomore Joe Rovelli need to continue their dominance on the mat and set the tone. The Pride also needs to finish off matches.

ON THE MAT

After sitting out the first two dual matches against Army and Oregon State University, both Jon Masa and Ricky LaForge wrestled in the East Stroudsburg Open. Masa placed sixth in the 157 pound division (teammate James Strouse took home first place honors), but compiled six wins in the open. LaForge had more success in his first action of the season. LaForge went 4-1 in the tournament and finished 2nd at 141 pounds, losing a 3-2 decision to The Citadel’s Sean Markey in the championship match. Both LaForge and Masa were predicted to be the best in their respective divisions in the CAA this season.

SOPHOMORES

Sophomore Joe Rovelli is an impressive 14-5 in regular season dual meets including his freshman year. Rovelli is 2-0 in dual meets this season and went 5-0 to capture the 184 pound title at the East Stroudsburg Open. Rovelli’s only regular season loses have been by decisions, he has yet to be pinned, the victim of a tech fall or a major decision.