BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo wrestling team opened its dual meet season with a 24-13 win over the Binghamton Bearcats at Alumni Arena on Tuesday night. Mark McKnight (McDonald, PA/South Fayette) pinned his opponent, while Cliff Smith (Merrick, NY/Calhoun), Ed Pawlak (Lakewood,

NY/Southwestern) and Kyle Cerminara (Lewiston, NY/Lewiston-Porter) each scored major decisions. Nick Rausenberger (Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free) and Greg Thomas (Baldwin, NY/Uniondale) were also victorious for Buffalo.

McKnight began the meet by pinning Binghamton's Victor Destefano 4:03 into the 125-pound match, giving UB an early 6-0 lead. McKnight had been dominant throughout the match, having led by a 17-3 score at the time of the fall.

In the 133-pound match, Smith followed up McKnight's effort by posting a 16-2 major decision win over the Bearcats' Mike Shannon. Smith recorded two takedowns, three three-point near falls, two escapes and one riding time point - which put Buffalo ahead, 10-0.

Binghamton won the meet's next three matches however, narrowing the Bulls' lead to one point. Rausenberger then earned an 11-7 victory over the Bearcats' Ryan Jantzen during the 165-pound match, extending UB's lead to 13-9.

In the 174-pound match, Pawlak scored a 12-3 major decision over Binghamton's Mark Tse. Pawlak registered three takedowns, one three-point near fall, two escapes and one riding time point. He was down 3-2, but rallied back to score the match's final 10 points.

After Binghamton took the next match, Cerminara secured a UB victory by winning a 12-4 major decision at the 197-pound level over the Bearcats' Declan Josephson. In recording five takedowns, one escape and one riding time point, Cerminara moved Buffalo's lead to 21-13.

Thomas, a heavyweight, completed the victory for the Bulls by posting a 6-1 win over Binghamton's Jeff Parker.

UB returns to action this weekend at Bloomsburg, PA, in a tri-meet. Beginning at 10 am on Saturday, the Bulls will face both Findlay and Bloomsburg. Buffalo does not have any other home action until the first annual UB Open on December 29th.

University of Buffalo 24, Binghamton University 13

125: Mark McKnight (UB) def. Victor Destefano (Bing.) by fall, 4:03
133: Cliff Smith (UB) def. Mike Shannon (Bing.) by major dec., 16-2

141: Josh Ruff (Bing.) def. Mike Trotta (UB), 7-5

149: Beau Bruno (Bing.) def. Jody Ashline (UB), 9-8

157: Rob Sckalor (Bing.) def. Dave Edwards (UB), 6-4

165: Nick Rausenberger (UB) def. Ryan Jantzen (Bing.), 11-7

174: Ed Pawlak (UB) def. Mark Tse (Bing.) by major dec., 12-3

184: Jerome Joe (Bing.) def. Garrett Hicks (UB) by major dec., 16-6

197: Kyle Cerminara (UB) def. Declan Josephson (Bing.) by major dec., 12-4