WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — Four Bellarmine University wrestlers captured first places as the Knights opened the season Saturday in the Pepsi Patriot Open hosted by University of the Cumberlands.

"The guys wrestled with a tremendous fight today," Bellarmine Coach Ned Shuck said. "The gains we've made from last year to this year at this time are significant. I expect our guys to really build off of their performances moving forward with increased confidence every day."

Freshman Shay Korhorn placed first in the 133 fresh/soph division. He delivered a fall over Rochester's Caiden Hampton only 43 seconds into his first bout. Korhorn dominated the next three by tech fall and secured first with a 4-3 decision over Trey Allen, who wrestled unattached.

Freshman Gray Ortis topped the 157 fresh/soph division. Ortis laid waste to his competition, rattling off four straight tech falls before a 17-3 major decision over Cleary's Ty Johnson in the finals.

The 165 open division featured an all-Bellarmine final. Freshman Grant O'Dell edged junior Cole Nance 4-2 in the title match. O'Dell got there with a pair of tech falls and a major decision, while Nance piled up three falls and a major decision.

Sophomore Sam Schroeder took the title in the 184 open. His closest bout was his first, an 8-2 decision over Southeastern's Noah Gallardo. He followed with a fall, major decision and 15-0 tech fall over Brewton-Parker's Charles Henkel in the final.

"It was so cool to see a guy like Sam Schroeder who has battled through some significant adversity cut loose and be relentless today," Shuck said. "It was a long time since his last competition, and I am not sure if anyone was more excited for today than him. He took full advantage of the opportunity."

Freshman Ostin Blanchard's 18-4 major decision over Life's Frank Font lifted him to third in the 133 fresh/soph division. Freshman Chase Hall placed second in the 141 fresh/soph division, ripping through to the finals with four consecutive falls. Sophomore Michael Schiffhauer took third in the same division behind a fall over Life's Joshua Denson.

Freshman Damion Ryan placed second in the 125 open after claiming a pair of decisions and a major decision. Freshman Andrew Liber placed third in the 197 fresh/soph division. Sophomore Zac Cowan placed fourth in the 149 open powered by four falls, while sophomore Thadd Huff added a sixth in the 285 open.

Bellarmine will welcome Kentucky Wesleyan at 7 p.m. (ET) Friday in its first home meet.

"Some of our guys are feeling less than great about some of their performances and will be challenged with getting back in the room with the 'Can't Wait' attitude we expect," Shuck said. "We have a lot to look forward to our first and only home dual of the first semester. We need all of Knights Nation out there to pack the house, have a great time and be loud for our men. Can't wait to see everyone there loud and rowdy!"

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