From NYU Athletics

Jacob Donato and Brandon Jones of the New York University wrestling team each advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2015 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships with first round wins during the morning session of day one. Nathan Pike and Patrick Sheehan eached dropped a bout, sending them to the consolation bracket. The event is taking place today and tomorrow at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA.

Donato (125) won by fall to defeat the tournament's #7 seed Jake Agnitsch of Wartburg College. The freshman had a small lead on his opponent before pinning him at the 1:47 mark of the first period. With the win, Donato moves on to tonight's quarterfinal where he will wrestle #2 Lucas Malmberg of Messiah College.

Jones (141), the #4 seed, defeated Ben Henle of Saint John's University (MN) 4-3 with a dramatic takedown as time expired. The senior captain and his opponent were tied 1-1 late in the third period when Henle took Jones down to go ahead 3-1. NYU's two-time All-American was able get an escape, followed by a takedown at the buzzer to advance to the quarterfinals where he will meet Hunter College's Cary Palmer, the #5 seed, for the fourth time this season. Palmer won the first two meetings before Jones bested him in the semifinal at the NCAA East Regional en route to the 141-pound title earlier this month.

A win for either Donato or Jones in this evening's quarterfinal would secure All-American status.

After winning his preliminary bout 11-4 against Brandon Preston of Trine University, Pike (141) fell to #2 seed Alex Gomez of Ithaca College. Gomez bested the sophomore in a tight 7-2 decision. Pike will face Justin Colon of Johnson & Wales University in the first round of wrestlebacks tonight.

Sheehan (184), a senior captain, was defeated in his first round matchup against top-seeded Riley Lefever of Wabash College. The reigning NCAA East Region 184-pound champion will face #8 Jeff Palmeri of SUNY Brockport later tonight.