[8] Competing as a freshman, Starocci recorded a 6–1 mark in dual meets during regular season, with a lone loss to DJ Washington though a notable victory over All-American Logan Massa.

[9] At the Big Ten Conference Championships, Starocci placed second, falling to Michael Kemerer from Iowa after defeating Nebraska's All-American Mikey Labriola to cruise to the finals.

[15] He then competed at the US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in May, where after falling to US National runner-up Chance Marsteller in a rematch, Starocci defeated three straight opponents, including Dan Hodge Trophy winner Alex Dieringer and three-time All-American David McFadden, to place third.

[19] In April, Starocci reached the semi-finals of the US Open National Championships with a dominant win over four-time All-American Michael Kemerer, though was defeated by three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer in a rematch, and subsequently dropped out of the tournament to place sixth.

[21] However, he suffered a knee injury right at the end of his last dual meet, and was forced to medical forfeit out of the Big Ten Championships, though earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament due to past accomplishments.