The Southeast Conference title defense for the No. 10 Washington Demon wrestling team (10-0) began in Fairfield Thursday. As heard live on AM/FM KCII and KCIIRadio.com, Washington marched in for a league dual with the Trojans (2-1). Washington made a step towards their fourth straight conference crown with a 57-15 victory.

The Demons scored seven wins by fall, a decision, and two forfeits to push their conference winning streak to 14 duals. The contest opened with Washington’s Brenden Murphy tallying a forfeit at 120 pounds. Demon freshman Dillan Sanders pinned Gannon Courtright 29 seconds into the second period in his first varsity match at 126 pounds. Washington’s Kyle Anderson, this week’s KCII Hedge Above Lawncare Athlete of the Week, followed with a win by fall 5:22 in the 132-pound match against Stetson Spees. The 138-pound grapple saw Fairfield’s Derek Beasley outlast David Hora for a decision victory, 2-1. Washington’s Austin Hazelett came away with a pin 63 seconds into his 145 pound match versus Charles Heisel.

Trey Van Weelden (152), Tristin Westphal-Edwards (160), and Logan Escher (170) followed with wins by fall for the Demons, each in under four minutes. Washington’s Colin Murphy (182) squeezed out a 6-4 decision victory over Simon Spalla. The 195-pound match saw Fairfield’s Michael Fritz take a decision win over Tanner Murphy, 7-2. Fairfield’s Trenton Hanen took advantage of an attacking Lane Keeler, countering him with a win by fall 1:09 into their 220-pound match. A third-period escape by Fairfield’s Brendon Lundsford was the difference in a 1-0 decision win over Mitchell Huisenga in the dual’s heavyweight bout. Washington capped off the night with a first-period pin by Walker Ikerd in the 106-pound match and Matt Collett posted a forfeit victory at 113 pounds.

Washington has now opened the season with 10 straight dual wins. Washington returns to the mat Saturday at the Mount Vernon Wrestling Tournament. First grapples are set for 10 a.m.. Listen to Washington’s conference dual versus Fairfield On Demand at KCIIRadio.com.