Five Pride wrestlers advanced in the championship bracket Thursday at the 2005 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at the Savvis Center. Freshman Dave Tomasette (19-12) at 125, senior Ricky LaForge (25-6) at 141, Jon Masa (21-9) at 149, junior Mike Patrovich (14-3) at 165 and freshman Joe Rovelli (23-7) at 184 posted victories. LaForge had a pin to improve to 25-6 on the year while Tomasette (19-12) and Masa (21-9) posted major decisions.

But the big news of the first round came out of the Hofstra camp and the news wasn't good. Hofstra senior Chris Skretkowicz, who came into the NCAA Championships Thursday ranked third at 197 pounds, was upset in his opening round match against Daren Burns of North Carolina Greensboro on a pin at the 1:14 mark of the match. Skretkowicz (29-2) lost for just the third time this season, and was pinned for the first time this year and the fourth time in his career.

Freshman Charles Griffin (27-5) dropped a 3-1 decision to number six Matt Ciasulli from Lehigh. Sophomore James Strouse (22-11) dropped a 4-1 decision to number 10 Brian Stith from Arizona State. Senior Paul Siemon (25-8), who is ranked 11th, suffered a 6-2 loss to Leonel Sanchez from Cal State Fullerton.

The second round begins at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

2005 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships

Session 1 ?“ March 17, 2005 ?“ 11:00 a.m.

125 ?“ Dave Tomasette (Hofstra ) major decision Jonathan Bittinger (Duquesne) 12-0

133 ?“ Matt Ciasulli (Lehigh) decision Charles Griffin (Hofstra) 3-1

141 ?“ Ricky LaForge (Hofstra) pinned Matt Fittery (Lock Haven) 1:14

149 ?“ Jon Masa (Hofstra) major decision Eddie Dahlen (Portland State) 12-0

157 ?“ Brian Stith (Arizona State) decision James Strouse (Hofstra) 4-1

165 ?“ Mike Patrovich (Hofstra) decision Zach Fryling (West Virginia) 8-3

174 ?“ Leonel Sanchez (Cal St. Fullerton) decision Paul Siemon (Hofstra) 6-2

184 ?“ Joe Rovelli (Hofstra) decision Keith Gavin (Pittsburgh) 5-4

197 ?“ Darren Burns (UNC-Greensboro) pinned Chris Skretkowicz (Hofstra)