Fresno State wrestling returned to the mat Saturday for the first time since 2006 with a 35-12 win over the San Francisco State Gators and a loss to the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers 19-17. Both duals took place at San Francisco University.

“It was a great first day, and it is nice to get the season rolling,” head coach Troy Steiner said in a news release. “We have a gauge of where we are at now, and it is time to get back to work for Illinois this week, but we are excited to get going.”

The Bulldogs pulled out to a 35-0 lead over SFSU by winning the first eight matches. Freshman Chris De Loza wrestled in the program’s first dual since reinstatement, winning the 141-pound weight class.

Fresno State held a 10-3 lead against Nebraska-Kearney, but lost three straight matches which gave the Lopers the lead. Freshman heavyweight AJ Nevills responded with a takedown of Kevin Barrett to win the match and tie the dual at 13-13.

The ‘Dogs lost the lead after forfeiting the 125-pound match because they did not have an eligible wrestler, giving the Lopers a 19-13 lead which proved to be insurmountable.

The ‘Dogs will return to Fresno on Friday for the first home match of the season. Fresno State faces Illinois (0-1) at 7 p.m.