GORHAM, Maine--The Maine Maritime Academy men's wrestling team had a tough task on Saturday at the 10-team Ted Reese Invitational hosted by the University of Southern Maine that featured three nationally-ranked teams, NCAA Division I New Hampshire, Division II American International College and club team Bath Iron Works Apprentice. The Mariners scored 13.5 points for ninth place.

Freshman Gavin Ripley led Maine Maritime in wins today by going 3-2 at 141 pounds. He registered a fall in 4 minutes and 24 seconds in his opening match to reach the quarterfinals.

Junior Bradford Zajac won two matches (2-2) at 165, also reaching the quarterfinals after defeating his first round opponent 20-7.

Freshmen Kyle Stickel and Brice Retell both earned their first career collegiate victories at 174 and 197, respectively. 

Ninth-ranked Coast Guard Academy edged No. 8 Vermont State-Castleton, 175 to 148 points, for the team title, while the No. 12-ranked host Huskies were third with 105 points.

The Mariners will wrap up the fall semester schedule next Saturday (9 a.m.) at the Roger Williams University Scott Veira Open in Bristol, R.I.