The Lights wrestling team opened competition at the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships with a strong showing, advancing five wrestlers to day two's semifinal round and placing another in contention for third place.

Leading the way for the Lights, Cade Gubler (184) delivered one of the most exciting matches of the day, earning a 12-9 sudden victory over Wyatt Rewerts to punch his ticket to the semifinals. At 165 pounds, Justin Windauer secured his spot in the next round with a dominant technical fall in his opening match.

Orion Thivierge (174) put together an impressive performance, collecting two wins — one by fall and another by an 8-2 decision — to move on in the championship bracket. Ryan Graves (157) also advanced after winning his first two matches, recording one victory by fall and the other by decision. Heavyweight Shane Mattson (285) battled to a 5-2 sudden victory, earning his place in the semifinals as well.

Kolten Powers (133) dropped a tightly contested 7-5 decision to Blake Woolsey in his opener but will continue wrestling on day two in the third-place bracket.

Several Lights wrestlers showed resilience throughout the day. Caleb Morales (141) rebounded from a first-round fall to earn a major decision in his next bout before being eliminated in his final match against Channing Porter. Keegan Hanson (157) fell in his first two matches to Cole Zoller and Gus Menne. At heavyweight, AJ Harris (285) went 0-2, dropping matches to Kalden Cisnerod by fall and Ethan DeRoche by major decision.

With five semifinalists and multiple wrestlers still competing, the Lights are positioned for a strong finish as the championships continue into day two.