Penn State wrestlers were on the offensive Thursday, as they had a strong showing during the first day of the NCAA championships.
Four Nittany Lion wrestlers finished undefeated after two sessions of the tournament and will compete in today's quarterfinal matchups.
The six Lion grapplers who competed in the tournament went 5-1 during Thursday afternoon's opening-round bouts and followed that with an impressive performance in the round of 16.
Senior Dan Vallimont and sophomore Frank Molinaro had impressive victories to lead the Lions.
Vallimont was one of several Penn State wrestlers who were aggressive for the full seven minutes of their bouts.
The senior 165-pounder went on the attack at the sound of the first whistle of his bout and got a takedown just seconds into the first period. Vallimont stayed the aggressor and finished with 4:52 in riding time while winning by major decision, 9-0.
Vallimont's major-decision win matched the domination of Molinaro's earlier win.
Molinaro took a 5-0 lead when he used a high crotch shot to secure a takedown in the second period. With riding time secured in the third, Molinaro got his third takedown of the bout and finished with an 8-0 victory.
Penn State 125-pounder Brad Pataky set the tone for the Lion grapplers in Session II, when he scored an immediate takedown and drove his opponent off the mat. Pataky added an escape later in the bout and held on for a 3-2 victory.
Cyler Sanderson, this season's Big Ten champion at 157 pounds, will join his three teammates in the today's quarterfinals. He used first- and third-period takedowns en route to a 4-2 victory.
A loss by pin at 3:51 in his second-round bout ended the title hopes of senior Dave Erwin, however. But the 184-pounder will have an opportunity to compete in the consolation rounds and place as high as third.
Heavyweight Cameron Wade lost his first bout of the day and competed late Thursday night for a chance to continue in consolations.
The Lion grapplers return to action this morning at 10:30 when Session III begins.
