The SF State wrestling team stood its ground on Saturday at the 31st Annual California Collegiate Wrestling Invitational and placed third and fourth in two weight classes.

Out of 11 teams, the Gators were the only NCAA Division II school to compete in the tournament. All of the other teams that competed that day, which included Stanford, Cal Poly and UC Davis, were Division I schools.

“We’re doing pretty well, and it is a pretty tough competition,” Head Coach Lars Jensen said. “We’re the only Division II team here.”

One man who did place was Virgil Lockett, after three matches and one very tough match that Lockett won during a tie-breaker round. He placed fourth at 141 after losing by an 8-5 decision to Cal State Fullerton’s Nick Blackshaw in cancellation second round.

“He had seen me wrestle all today and I have this one move that he was ready for,” Lockett said. “But I’m going to see him next week, so I’m going to go back to the blackboard, correct my mistakes and take it to him.”

SF State’s Alecxis Lara also placed in this tournament. He placed third at 197 by winning his last bout against Boise State’s Ryan Allen by forfeit because of an injury that took place during the match.

“[Lara] wrestled tough today,” said Lockett. “He did what he was supposed to do, which is win.”

It was also a successful day for freshman Alexander Trueblood, who won his first match.

The Gators also hosted their two final duals of the season against the Menlo College Oaks and the Cal Poly Mustangs. SF State lost 34-11 to the Oaks and 31-14 to the Mustangs, leaving them with a record of 1-11 in dual meets.

“It’s better we get these loses out now than at the national championship,” Lockett said.

SF State’s Virgil Lockett won by an 18-5 major decision over Menlo’s Anthony Cunha and at 149 pounds, Ali Lockett won by a 17-6 major decision over Thomas Hammontree. Also, SF State’s Pierre Bondoc won by a 9-6 decision over Gabe Rodriguez at 125 pounds, which gave the Gators three wins against Menlo College.

They also picked up three wins against the Cal Poly Mustangs. SF State’s Ben Lockett won the first match by a 22-7 technical fall over John Hanks of Cal Poly. Once again Ali Lockett won his match and Lara won by forfeit.

The Gators will return to the mat Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. when they visit Cal State Fullerton. This will be their last dual before they travel to the NCAA Division II West Regional/ Rocky Mountain Athletic conference Championships on Feb. 25.