PROVIDENCE, R.I. (blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team traveled to the East Coast for a dual at Johnson & Wales University on Friday. Despite some tight matches, the Blugolds took their first dual defeat of the season in a 25-13 loss to the Wildcats.
The Blugolds were the victors in four of 10 matches. Jared Stricker (So. - Ashland, Wis.) won by 16-3 major decision over Bailey O'Brien at 174 pounds. Tristan Massie (Jr. - Hillsdale, Wis./Barron), Niall Schoenfelder (So. - Antioch, Ill.) and Zach Sato (So. - Oswego, Ill.) all won by decision. Massie beat Scott DeFex 10-3 at 165 pounds, Schoenfelder bested Ryan Devivo 5-4 at 184, and Sato defeated Gabriel McDaniel 6-4 at 149.
A pair of Blugold grapplers also had narrow defeats. Sam Melton (Jr. - Shell Lake, Wis./Spooner) fell 4-3 to Dylan Harr at 197, and Jackson Schichel (Jr. - Hastings, Minn.) fell 3-1 to Adolfo Betancur at 285.
"Tonight was a battle with a good team who showed up to compete," Blugolds assistant coach Brandon Carroll said. "We won four of the 10 matches with two matches that were really close to going our way. Hard-fought dual and I'm looking forward to see how we compete with a quick turnaround tomorrow."
The Blugolds are in tournament action at two separate sites on Saturday, Nov. 12. UW-Eau Claire has entries in the Luther Open in Decorah, Iowa, and the Roger Williams Invite in Bristol, R.I. The Blugolds' first home dual of the season is Thursday, Nov. 17, when UW-Oshkosh visits the McPhee Center.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Gameday or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
