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ALBANY, NY - University at Buffalo freshman Kyle Cerminara (Lewiston, NY/Lewiston-Porter) was eliminated from the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships on Friday afternoon, dropping a 5-2 decision to Indiana's Pat DeGain in the consolation bracket.

Kyle Cerminara

Cerminara's freshman season ends with a 26-13 record and two wins shy of becoming UB's first All-American at the Division I level. DeGain used a four-point near-fall takedown in the first period to take control of the match and Cerminara, despite several near misses, could not take DeGain down.

Cerminara score on an escape after DeGain took him down with :35 left in the first period. Cerminara started the second period in the down position and escaped immediately to draw within 4-2.

In the third, DeGain escaped after starting the period in the down position to make the score, 5-2. Cerminara was not able to get the crucial takedown he needed to keep his hopes alive. He finishes his first NCAA Tournament with a 1-2 record, including a loss by fall to three-time national champion and undefeated Cael Sanderson of Iowa State on Thursday night.

"I think the difference today was the same as Kyle's first match (when he won, 6-2). Right off the bat (DeGain) got a four-point near fall and that's difficult to come back from. I thought Kyle left everything out there on the mat, but DeGain stayed real poised. Kyle didn't get in deep enough on his shots and couldn't convert his shots into points."

Despite the loss, Beichner had nothing but praise for his freshman, who became the fourth first-year wrestler that Beichner has brought to the NCAA Championships.

"Kyle has an incredible attitude, a great work ethic and he wants to be out there with those guys (the best in the nation) more than anything. With the experience gained this week and increased strength, it's all looking great for him in the future.

"The coaching staff here at UB is really proud of his efforts," continued Beichner. "His workout partners (184-pounder Garrett Bontempo and assistant coach Sean Gibbs) did a great job of preparing him and with continued efforts like he has shown us this year, Kyle will be back here again."