OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Linfield Wildcats men’s wrestling team suffered a 33-24 defeat at the hands of the Evergreen State College Geoducks on Thursday evening, continuing a stretch of road duals for the program. Despite securing three points via forfeit, Linfield struggled to gain traction in head-to-head matchups, ultimately falling short against a determined Evergreen State squad.
The match began with a flurry of forfeits, as Linfield benefited from three automatic points awarded by Evergreen State. However, the Geoducks quickly responded with a forfeit of their own, leveling the playing field. The first contested bout of the night, at 141 pounds, saw Linfield’s Max Vander Meide pinned late in the first period, shifting momentum in favor of the hosts. This pin proved crucial in offsetting the initial advantage gained through forfeits.
The momentum continued to swing as Evergreen State secured further points through pins in the subsequent matches. Fermin Carrillo and Damon Gasilos both fell victim to pins, widening the gap between the two teams. These quick victories for the Geoducks demonstrated their aggressive wrestling style and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Lucien Lefebvre put up a strong fight at 165 pounds, engaging in a closely contested battle that ultimately ended in a narrow 9-7 decision loss. Despite his efforts, Lefebvre was unable to overcome his opponent, adding to Linfield’s mounting deficit. The match highlighted Lefebvre’s resilience and determination, even in defeat.
The outcome was effectively sealed at 184 pounds, where Trey Dieringer was pinned in the third period. This pin brought the team score to 33-24, making a Linfield comeback mathematically impossible. Dieringer’s extended match showcased his endurance, but ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a victory.
A glimmer of hope emerged in the final match of the night, as Camden Roofener delivered a much-needed win for the Wildcats in the 285-pound weight class. Roofener secured a pin with 55 seconds remaining in the first period, providing a positive conclusion to an otherwise challenging evening. His dominant performance offered a boost of morale for the team as they look ahead to their next competition.
Despite Roofener’s victory, the damage had already been done, and Evergreen State emerged with a 33-24 win. The Wildcats will now turn their attention to a Northwest Conference (NWC) rivalry matchup against Pacific University on Sunday in Forest Grove. This upcoming dual presents an opportunity for Linfield to regroup and demonstrate their capabilities against a familiar opponent.
The Linfield wrestling program, encompassing both men’s and women’s teams, will be looking to bounce back from this defeat. The team’s performance against Pacific will be a key indicator of their ability to compete within the NWC and build momentum as the season progresses. Fans can follow Linfield Wildcats coverage throughout the season at golinfieldwildcats.com, and can engage with Linfield Athletics on Facebook, Instagram (@LinfieldSports), and X.com (@LinfieldSports).
The loss to Evergreen State underscores the competitive nature of collegiate wrestling and the importance of consistency across all weight classes. While forfeits provided an initial advantage, Linfield’s inability to secure wins in the contested bouts ultimately proved decisive. The team will need to address these shortcomings and refine their strategy as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Sunday’s match against Pacific will be a crucial test for the Wildcats. A victory would not only provide a much-needed confidence boost but also position them favorably within the NWC standings. The rivalry between Linfield and Pacific adds an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, promising a hard-fought and exciting contest.
