Photo courtesy of: Kodiak Creative

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team fell to No. 4 nationally ranked UW-La Crosse 26-10 in a battle between Top 25 teams. The No. 17 ranked Pioneers tallied three victories on Friday night and suffered two losses by one-point decisions and another in sudden victory.  

UW-Platteville moves to 7-6 overall and 2-2 in the conference while the Eagles improve to 12-2 overall and 4-0 in the WIAC. 

Sophomore Nolan McKittrick led off for the Pioneers and dropped the 125-pound match 4-2 in overtime. No. 2 ranked Zach Thompson turned the table and put the Pioneers ahead by two following the senior's 15-0 technical fall (6:33) over Zachary Weiler at 133 pounds. 

The Eagles went on a 6-0 streak, but not without a fight. Senior Brock Parker lost a narrow 2-1 decision to No. 6 ranked Tyler Goebel at 149 pounds and freshman Matt Rogge dropped a tight 6-5 decision to Kaleb O'Reilly in the 165-pound bout. 

UW-La Crosse led 26-10 after eight weights, but the Pioneers closed strong as No. 15 sophomore Tyler Hannah upset No. 3 Ben Kawczynski with a 2-0 decision in the 197-pound match. No. 11 senior Brett Schoenherr followed the upset bout with another thriller, defeating Michael Douglas 2-2 in sudden victory to close the dual. 

The Pioneers will continue their conference road trip and take on No. 10 UW-Eau Claire on Saturday at 1 p.m.