SALEM, Va. - George Mason opened its 2009-10 wrestling season on Sunday at the Hokie Open at Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va. The Patriots had placewinners in three separate weight classes (157, 165 and 174 pounds) at the tournament.

Junior Frankie McLaughlin IV finished fourth at 165 pounds for Mason. The Hillsborough, N.J. native made his way to the semifinal round of the championship bracket before falling to Virginia Tech's Matt Epperly by a 12-7 decision. After dropping to the consolation bracket, McLaughlin was forced to forfeit the consolation final to Tennessee-Chattanooga's Brandon Wright to take fourth place.

Sophomore Mendbagana Tovuujav took fifth place in the 174-pound bracket after defeating Mark Rogers of Tennessee-Chattanooga by a 3-1 decision. At 157 pounds, junior Jimmy Kaden made his way to the seventh-place match after dropping to the consolation bracket.

The Patriots will compete again on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Bearcat Open in Binghamton, N.Y. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.