ASU’s wrestling team (1-0, 1-0 Pac-10) was facing far more than its opponent, UC Davis, in a 26-12 win Saturday in Mesa.

Yes, you could feel it in the air.

There were the usual “Save ASU Wrestling” T-shirts for sale, a constant reminder of how delicate the program’s financial standing really is.

But there was also a sense of urgency, determination and a sincere fear of failure.

And against a talented UC Davis squad (1-1, 0-1 Pac-10) that started four seniors compared to ASU’s four freshmen, failure was a real possibility.

The Sun Devils lost the first two decisions before freshman Kyle DeBerry took to the mat for the 165-pound match against UC Davis’ Dustin Noack.

DeBerry recorded a takedown to win 4-3.

“I spoke to my dad earlier, and he said … ‘There’s no pressure; just don’t lose,’” DeBerry said. “I remember telling all the guys, ‘We can do this; keep it up. There’s no pressure.’”

The ensuing match featured ASU’s only true freshman, Eric Starks opposing UC Davis’ Joe Mount in the 174-pound bout.

“I felt good coming in,” Starks said. “My coaches prepared me pretty well for this. I was nervous, but I knew I was ready to go.”

Starks trailed only once in the match. In the final two minutes, Starks recorded four takedowns to win by major decision, 17-9.

That bout gave ASU as a team its first lead of the meet at 7-6.

“It’s a team thing. I’m just looking out for the team,” Starks said say of his effort.

ASU proceeded to win four of the remaining six matches.

This included a decision by junior Jake Cranford, a win by forfeit for junior Thor Moen, a win by fall for sophomore Anthony Robles and a major decision for sophomore Chris Drouin.

“I think they all gave the best effort they possibly could,” ASU coach Thom Ortiz said after his 75th career victory. “For the first match, I think we did really well.”

Considered by many to be the marquee matchup of the day, Robles, the No. 8 wrestler in the nation for the 125-pound weight class, faced off against UC Davis’ No. 11 Marcos Orozco.

Leading 2-0 after the first round, Robles attacked Orozco from the neutral position to record the fall and gain six team points.

Drouin, No. 7 in the 141-pound weight class, ended the meet with a major decision of 12-3 against UC Davis’ Nexi Delgado.

“It’s a good Pac-10 win,” Ortiz said. “You’re always as good as you’re last match, and we did a great job.”

Reach the reporter at joshua.spivack@asu.edu.