The New York University wrestling team, currently ranked #14 in the nation, has completed the first day of competition at the Citrus Invitational in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The 16-team event is being held Thursday and Friday, December 29-30, in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Violets have accumulated 51.5 points and are in 10th place overall. #2-ranked Augsburg University leads with 124.5 points.

Three NYU wrestlers have advanced to the championship semifinals in their respective brackets.

All-American Cooper Pontelandolfo posted a pair of technical falls and added a decision victory en route to advancing to the 165-pound semifinals. Ranked #3 in the nation in the weight class, he will face #11 Matt Rogge of Augsburg on Friday.

NYU's other semifinalists are both competing in the 133-pound weight class. 

Tyler Crew produced two falls and one decision to power his way into the 133 semis, where he will face #2 Andrew Perelka of #7 John Carroll University. Benny Bautista utilized a bye, a decision and major decision to also qualify for the semis and will face Cael Weinzweig of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

At 125 pounds, Taisei Kurachi won four bouts, two by technical fall, and has advanced to the consolation semifinals. 

Scott DuPont (184) and Jason Geyer (174) each won two bouts and advanced to the championship quarterfinals of their respective brackets. DuPont then lost by sudden victory and Geyer was did not continue (medical forfeit). 

Action continues beginning at 10:00am on Friday.