DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Three SIUE wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals Thursday of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association's national tournament.

The three-day event kicked off with seven of nine SIUE wrestlers winning in the first round. Brendan Murphy, Steve Ross, and Deshoun White were the three who were left in the winner's bracket after day one.

Murphy pinned both of his 133-pound opponents, including a 57-second fall over Jarrett Lum of Simon Fraser.

Ross, a 157-pounder, tamed the No. 4 seed in the first round with a 3-2 win over Gabriel Bird, of Liberty. He turned in another one-point victory in the second round, defeating Vermont's Zachary Schellabarger.

"I think Ross has the best day of them all considering his draw and how he finished at the regional tournament," said SIUE Head Coach David Ray.

White also made his way to the quarterfinals with an upset. The Cougar 174-pounder defeated second-seeded Kenneth Tribble of Cal Baptist 3-2 in the second round.

All nine of SIUE wrestlers remain in the draw. The list includes 141-pounder Dillon Pousson, 149-pounder Derrick Pousson, 157-pounder Kyle Lowman, 165-pounder Gabe Hocum, 184-pounder Cole Brandt, and 197-pounder Cole Rogers.

Action continues Friday morning at 9 with three more full rounds of competition. The championships on Saturday conclude at 4 p.m.