WHITEWATER, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - Facing the No. 26-ranked Warhawk competitors, the UW-Eau Claire wrestling team slid 41-4 to UW-Whitewater tonight in the first of a two-day stand in Whitewater.
Ricky Gonzales (So.-Bluffton, S.C.) got the Blugolds off to a winning start with a victory in the 165 weight class. Gonzales defeated his challenger by earning an 8-0 major decision. While Gonzales' win initially put the Blugolds ahead by four, it was Eau Claire's only victory of the evening.
The Warhawks fought for the wins in the next nine events, earning two pins, two technical falls, four major decisions and one decision. Will Christ (Jr.-Shell Lake, Wis.) came the closest to victory out of the remaining Blugolds, falling by an 8-2 decision to his competitor.
The loss drops the Blugolds to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in the WIAC. While Whitewater is now an even 10-10-1 for the year, the meet was the Warhawks' first conference victory of the season, boosting them to 1-2 as well.
The Blugolds will continue wrestling in Whitewater tomorrow, as the Warhawks host the UWW Border Brawl Duals. Eau Claire will fight three different opponents tomorrow, beginning with Elmhurst College (Ill.) at 12 p.m.
