HENNIKER, N.H. — The Maine Maritime Academy men's wrestling team returned to the mat on Saturday, falling 44-11 to New England College and 46-4 to Emmanuel College in its first dual action of the year.

Emmanuel (3-0) opened its dual with a 12-0 lead following forfeits at 125 and 133. Freshman Ronan Bradley got the start at 141, falling in the first period before Maine Maritime (0-2) broke through at 149. Sophomore Gavin Ripley earned a major decision victory, 14-6, putting the Mariners on the board at 18-4.

Freshman Alec Rego dropped a hard-fought 13-9 decision at 157, followed by a fall at 165 for freshman Nick Daniel. Freshman Tucker Kennedy battled at 174 but came up short, 4-0. The Saints added wins at 184 and a pin at 197 over sophomore Kyle Stickel. Freshman Takuma Steinberger closed the dual at 285, falling by major decision, 11-3, as Emmanuel secured the 46-4 victory.

In Saturday's finale, New England College (1-3) jumped out to a 12-0 advantage after forfeits at 125 and 133, then added a pin at 141 over Bradley. Ripley continued his strong day at 149, dominating with a 15-0 tech fall to finish a perfect 2-0 on the afternoon.

Rego battled at 157 in a 21-11 major decision loss, while Daniel fell by pin at 165. Kennedy dropped a 9-0 major decision at 174 before the teams traded forfeits at 184 and 197.

Steinberger closed the day at 285, falling by pin to give NEC the 44-11 win.

The Mariners return to action next Saturday at the Bridgeport Open beginning at 9 a.m.