Penn State Opens Season With Dominant 42-3 Win Over Bloomsburg, Ono Shines in Collegiate Debut

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State wrestling opened its 2026-27 season in dominant fashion Thursday night, defeating Bloomsburg 42-3 in front of a sold-out Rec Hall crowd. The Nittany Lions won nine of the ten matches, collecting eight bonus-point victories as they extended their NCAA-record dual-meet winning streak to 87 consecutive victories.

The evening featured several notable storylines, highlighted by the highly anticipated collegiate debut of Japanese freestyle world champion Masanosuke Ono, who made his first appearance in a Penn State singlet at 133 pounds. Ono delivered an impressive performance against Bloomsburg's Austin Pollard, recording six takedowns in the opening period before earning a 20-9 major decision. Head coach Cael Sanderson was pleased with what he saw from the international standout, particularly considering it was the first folkstyle match of his career. "He looked pretty damn good," Sanderson said. "I think that's the first folkstyle match ever in his life." Sanderson acknowledged that Ono appeared to tire somewhat toward the end of the match, explaining that the differences between freestyle and folkstyle wrestling will require some adjustments, but expressed confidence that he would adapt quickly.

Ono's debut was also an exciting moment for his teammates, particularly Luke Lilledahl, who has spent considerable time training alongside him. Lilledahl discussed how the two have helped each other develop, with Ono bringing valuable international freestyle experience while Lilledahl provides insight into collegiate folkstyle wrestling. "Whether it's maybe him learning from me for folkstyle or me learning from him for freestyle, it's really all the same. It's just positions, right? So, we help each other," Lilledahl said. He also acknowledged that Ono was likely experiencing some nerves before competing in front of a sold-out Rec Hall crowd for the first time, but noted that his competitive nature would help him adjust quickly.

Penn State established control early, with Lilledahl opening the evening at 125 pounds by recording a 19-4 technical fall over Justin Jones. Following Ono's victory, the Nittany Lions suffered their only loss of the night at 141 pounds, where Hayden Cunningham dropped an 8-1 decision to Bloomsburg's Scotty Johnson. Cunningham earned the starting opportunity through the team's wrestle-off process, and Sanderson emphasized that he was pleased to see the junior receive the opportunity despite the difficult result. The coach described Cunningham as a hard worker who has made a significant impact on the team and expressed confidence that he would continue improving from the experience. Sanderson also left the possibility open for Marcus Blaze to enter the lineup moving forward, including potentially Sunday's matchup against Oklahoma.

The Nittany Lions quickly regained momentum at 149 pounds, where Shayne Van Ness secured Penn State's first pin of the season, defeating Jay Chase in just 1:26. Tyler Kasak followed with an 8-1 decision over Michael Turi at 157 pounds, marking his return to competition following his redshirt season. Sanderson was especially happy to have Kasak back in the lineup, describing him as a competitor who thrives when the stakes are high, saying, "Bigger the match, the better he wrestles kind of a guy." Kasak's performance helped Penn State carry an 18-3 advantage into halftime.

The offensive production continued after intermission, beginning with PJ Duke's 21-6 technical fall over Morgan Schwarz at 165 pounds. Duke recorded seven takedowns in the match while making his debut at the weight class. Mitchell Mesenbrink followed with a 21-4 technical fall against Mohamed Abdelhady at 174 pounds, officially clinching the dual for the Nittany Lions. Mesenbrink's performance was particularly encouraging as he continues adjusting to his new weight class after moving up from 165 pounds.

Rocco Welsh added another technical fall at 184 pounds, defeating Gavin Hannah 19-3 in 4:29, while Josh Barr followed with a 15-0 technical fall over Wyatt Bush at 197 pounds. For Welsh, the season opener also represented an opportunity to move forward after ending the previous season with a disappointing loss.

When asked about that defeat, Welsh acknowledged that it was difficult initially but explained that he has used the experience as motivation for what he hopes to accomplish this season. "It sucked for a little while and then just try to have a good perspective on it," Welsh said. "It's going to push me to accomplish big things." The senior also spoke about maintaining his faith and trusting the direction his life and wrestling career are taking.

Connor Mirasola closed the evening with a 13-4 major decision over No. 28-ranked Mason Rebuck in his first appearance at heavyweight. Mirasola recorded four takedowns while showing promising offensive ability in his new weight class. Sanderson was encouraged by the performance, noting that Mirasola is still learning how to wrestle at heavyweight but already looks strong and comfortable in the position. The coach expressed confidence in his development, saying, "He's doing really well. He's going to have a great year."

Despite the lopsided final score, Sanderson was realistic about the areas where his team can improve.

With several wrestlers competing for the first time this season and others adjusting to new weight classes, the opening dual provided an opportunity to work through some early-season challenges. "It was our first match of the year, first time down to weight," Sanderson said. "We want the effort to be great, but we'll get better every match." He also made sure to give Bloomsburg credit for its effort, praising the toughness and conditioning of the Huskies under head coach Matt Tutsman.

In total, Penn State outscored Bloomsburg 137-39 in individual match scoring and held a commanding 39-3 advantage in takedowns. The Nittany Lions collected five technical falls, two major decisions, and one pin in a performance that demonstrated their depth and offensive capabilities throughout the lineup.

Final Match Results

No. 1 Penn State 42, Bloomsburg 3

125: Luke Lilledahl (PSU) tech. fall over Justin Jones, 19-4 (4:09)

133: Masanosuke Ono (PSU) major decision over Austin Pollard, 20-9

141: Scotty Johnson (BLOOM) decision over Hayden Cunningham, 8-1

149: Shayne Van Ness (PSU) fall over Jay Chase, 1:26

157: Tyler Kasak (PSU) decision over Michael Turi, 8-1

165: PJ Duke (PSU) tech. fall over Morgan Schwarz, 21-6 (5:50)

174: Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) tech. fall over Mohamed Abdelhady, 21-4 (5:09)

184: Rocco Welsh (PSU) tech. fall over Gavin Hannah, 19-3 (4:29)

197: Josh Barr (PSU) tech. fall over Wyatt Bush, 15-0 (4:23)

285: Connor Mirasola (PSU) major decision over Mason Rebuck, 13-4

Attendance: 6,378