PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island College wrestling team topped New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) foe Bridgewater State, 36-12, at the Recreation Center on Friday afternoon.

Bridgewater (3-12) opened the action with senior Andrew Gauthier (Lowell, Mass.) earning a forfeit victory at 125 lbs. to put the Bears up 6-0. RIC (10-8) responded with a 9-3 decision by freshman Brennen Libel (Feeding Hills, Mass.) at 133 lbs. to make the score 6-3.

A forfeit victory for RIC at 141 lbs. and a pin at the 4:25 mark by junior Damen Patisaul (Plant City, Fla.) at 149 lbs. gave the Anchormen the 15-6 lead after four matches. Sophomore Michael Murphy (North Providence, R.I.) picked up a 5-4 decision at 157 lbs., which increased the RIC lead to 18-6.

The Bears rallied with a pair of victories as sophomore Anthony Cote (Danbury, Conn.) earned a 12-5 victory at 165 lbs. and classmate Jason Gebara (Brockton, Mass.) picked up a 3-2 decision at 174 lbs. to cut the deficit down to six, 18-12.

The Anchormen would double their point total over the last three bouts.  At 184 lbs., sophomore Justin Caparco (Johnston, R.I.) followed a takedown with two near-falls before pinning his opponent at the 2:12 mark.

Sophomore 197 lbs. John Georges (Cranston, R.I.) and sophomore heavyweight Terrance Jean-Jacques (Haverhill, Mass.) both earned forfeit victories to seal the win for the hosts.