Moorpark Falls to Fresno Again

Moorpark College was beaten in more ways than one in a wrestling match Thursday night against Fresno City at Moorpark.

Three Raider wrestlers went flat on their backs, one went to the hospital and two others emerged with a broken finger and a mouth full of blood.

The result was a 30-15 nonconference victory for Fresno City (5-0), the Rams’ third over defending state-champion Moorpark in as many dual meets dating to last season.

“We wrestled them tough,” Moorpark Coach Paul Keysaw said. “But tonight they were better.”

Moorpark (5-1) entered the meet ranked second in the state to Fresno City, a perennial power and five-time state champion.

A tight contest was expected, but Moorpark’s growing list of injuries contributed to a lopsided outcome.

Sophomore Chuck Sandlin, Moorpark’s only returning state champion, was taken by ambulance to Simi Valley Hospital after experiencing abdominal cramps following a 9-7 loss to Jason Rossotti in the 184-pound match.

“He’s a little dehydrated,” said John Keever, Moorpark’s athletic director. “He cut some weight today.”

Moorpark’s Saul Lucatero was forced to default against George Moreno seconds into the 149-pound bout because of a broken finger.

Jaime Reyes (125), Dartanian Bagby (174) and heavyweight Rick Benitez all were pinned. Bagby’s match with Mike Sherrick lasted only 53 seconds.

Victory came with a price for Moorpark’s Dustin Clocherty, who finished fourth in the state finals last season for Ventura High.

Clocherty improved to 5-0 with a 12-7 decision over Alex Ortiz but emerged with a bloody lower lip because of a deep gash.

Moorpark, which wrestles at third-ranked Palomar on Friday, entered the meet with injuries to several starters.

Melkon Melkonian had the only pin for the Raiders, stopping Ryan Philp in 2:49 of the 197-pound match.