DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team kept the possibility of an upset on the table going into Thursday's last match, but ultimately fell 27-18 in a hard fought battle against No. 24 University of Dubuque.

Sophomore Chris Karbash started the match off strong, giving the Pioneers a 4-0 lead after a 15-6 major decision at 125 pounds. Freshman Brady Grennan stretched the early lead to 7-0 after a win in the 133 match with a 10-8 decision. 

The Spartans rallied and took a 10-7 lead after the next two weight classes, but senior David Cushman tied the dual 10-10 with a 4-2 decision at 157 pounds. Sophomore Blake Delsman then gave the Pioneers their second lead of the night, defeating his opponent at 165 by a 3-1 decision. 

Dubuque picked up twelve straight team points from the 174 and 184 matches, including one win by forfeit, but the Pioneers did not back down. Freshman Kain Killmer started a huge team comeback, defeating his opponent by tech fall (3:34 20-3) to narrow the Spartans' lead to 22-18 with one weight class remaining. The #14 ranked Justin Matson finished the night with a tech fall of his own (2:10 18-3) to hold on to the lead and secure the 27-18 win for the Spartans. 

The Pioneers will return to action on Saturday, January 18 at Cornell College's Cliff Keen-Mike Duroe Invite.