ATHERTON, Calif. – The Hope International men's wrestling team tangled with NCAA Division II program Menlo on Friday at Haynes-Prim Pavilion – and although the Royals departed with a 38-8 loss – junior Malikhi Espiritu and sophomore Jeancarlos Martinez recorded victories in their respective weight classes.

Espiritu, a transfer from Vanguard, earned a major decision 11-2 victory at 141 pounds over Menlo's Giancarlo Plaza to highlight his Royals debut. The win gave the Royals their first four points.

After the Oaks won four straight matches, the Royals picked up another four points at 184 pounds. Martinez posted an 18-7 major decision win over Menlo's Luke Harrison.

Aaron Lopez put up a good battle for HIU at 149 pounds, falling by a slim 7-4 decision to David Arroyo of the Oaks. Ezekiel Hueter also scored a number of points in a 16-9 defeat by decision to Evan Ivaldi at 174 pounds.

The Oaks showed their depth at a number of weight classes, as they recorded three wins by pin and two more via tech fall.

HIU continues action in the Bay Area on Saturday, taking part in the Menlo Open which begins at 9:00 a.m.

Menlo 38, Hope International 8
125 – Daniel Arellano (Menlo) def. Leonardo Cabrera-Nava (HIU), pin, (6-0)
133 – Robbie Lopez (Menlo) def. Joshua Grajeda (HIU), pin (4:28) (12-0)
141 – Malikhi Espiritu (HIU) def. Giancarlo Plaza (Menlo), major decision, 11-2 (12-4)
149 – David Arroyo (Menlo) def. Aaron Lopez (HIU), decision, 7-4 (15-4)
157 – Devon Wells (Menlo) def. Jacob Ramirez (HIU), tech fall, 18-0 (20-4)
165 – Nikita Smatov (Menlo) def. Tomas Fulgentes (HIU), tech fall, 19-4 (25-4)
174 – Evan Ivaldi (Menlo) def. Ezekiel Hueter (HIU), decision, 16-9 (28-4)
184 – Jeancarlos Martinez (HIU) def. Luke Harrison (Menlo), major decision, 18-7 (28-8)
197 – Matt Porras-Diamond (Menlo) def. Jaxon Smith (HIU), pin (34-8)
285 – JC Escutia (Menlo) def. Matthew Olivarez (HIU), major decision, 10-1 (38-8)