Senior Kyler Pisciotta (170) pinned his opponent Liam Cave in 0:15.

In front of a large and vocal crowd, the Blue Jay wrestling team beat the Catholic High School (Baton Rouge) Bears, 34-31, in a gritty, hard-fought meet on Wednesday, Dec. 9. The meet was their true home opener in the Birdcage. (Their season-opener against St. Paul’s was a historic outdoor meet at John Ryan Stadium.)

Helping the Jays to the win were two pins — by seniors Kyler Pisciotta (170) in 0:15 and Guy Patron, Jr. (195) in 1:15 — and senior Griffin Mason’s major decision over Catholic’s Andrew Messina.

The night held significance for head coach Sheridan Moran as it was his first dual meet against his former team. Moran served as an assistant coach at Catholic for five years before coming to Jesuit.

“The boys did well tonight,” said Moran. “In some weight classes, we’re still trying to figure out our groove, and see how we can battle in those tough spots. It wasn’t pretty; it was gritty. But in the end, the team did what they had to do to get the win tonight.”

A few Blue Jays were making their returns to the mat after absences, and their performances impressed Moran.

“[Sophomore] Evan Queyrouze [113] is in the lineup after being out for a month and I’m proud of him for getting the win,” said Moran. “[Senior] Brandon Wolff [145] won his first match out since St. Paul’s. I’m proud of those guys for pulling their weight as they get back into the swing of things.”

The Blue Jay grapplers return to the mat on Friday, Dec. 18 when they travel to Missouri to participate in the Kansas City Stampede.