Moorpark College Wrestling squared off against Palomar College in their first and only home game of the year on Sept. 29. Even though the Raiders fought courageously, the team lost 28-21.

“Some of our guys were shell shocked and then they got caught on their backs, it was an unfortunate double loss for us,” said head coach Lindley Kistler. “Some of our best wrestlers got caught and pinned, it happens to everyone.”

With an eight year absence of Moorpark’s Wrestling program, the Raiders came out scorching hot with a quick pin by Freshman Richie Vaillancourt, putting the Raiders up 6-0. However, the Raiders being a new program, started to show weakness as Palomar took the next four rounds. Moorpark tried to make a comeback, winning two of the last three rounds, but it was too late as Palomar built too big of a lead. After only having a month and a half to prepare, Kistler’s goal is to keep improving.

“It’s a learning process for the players and it’s a learning process for us [coaches],” said Kistler. “Every week we get better, we get so much better.”

According to Kistler, all the players gave high effort and were in better shape than the other team but they still need to work more on their technique during practice.

“The bottom position is where we definitely need some work,” said Kistler. “We didn’t do what we had been practicing.”

Despite the fact that the Raiders have to improve on their technique, there were some positives to take away from these matches. Coach Kistler liked what he saw from his team, from stamina to improvement on certain techniques.

“We have only been together a month and a half and we were in better shape than the other team,” said Kistler. “Also, we are doing much better on cracking on the head and the feet.”

Furthermore, Kistler praises his team for the amount of work they put in as Moorpark came out and gave high effort.

“These kids work so hard,” said Kistler. “All our kids gave everything they had.”

Even though the Raiders lost and they know they need to improve on certain aspects, the players held their heads high after the game. Some players were ecstatic with their performance, but no one was more proud than sophomore Robert Knight as he pinned his opponent very quickly to end the matches for the night.

“I feel really good because that was my first match,” said Knight. “I was nervous, so I’m happy I won.”

Knight lives and breathes wrestling. He loves when all eyes are on him.

“I love the spotlight,” said Knight. “When I get out there and everyone’s watching me, it is all about me.”

This was the team’s first and only home game and Kistler was happy to see so many fans show up excited for wrestling.

“It was beautiful and nice to see everyone interested in wrestling,” said Kistler. “[However], it’s our home turf, so I wish we could have won.”

Soon enough, the Raiders will have another opportunity to win as they face East LA on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.