LA CROSSE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The UW-Eau Claire wrestling team put up a fight, but ultimately fell 45-0 in a dual meet against No. 2-ranked UW-La Crosse tonight in Mitchell Hall.
Going into the meet, the Blugolds knew the Eagles would be a challenge. In addition to the No. 2 team ranking, five of the individual La Crosse wrestlers also carried top-10 national ranks.
None of the Eau Claire wrestlers managed to defeat their opponents, but Luke Ortscheid (Fr.-Wausau, Wis./West), Matthew Rieckhoff (Fr.-Wausau, Wis./D.C. Everest) and Ricky Gonzales (So.-Bluffton, S.C.) had some of the closer matches of the event. Ortscheid, battling in the 197 weight class, lost by just a 3-0 decision while Rieckhoff was defeated 7-5 in the 184 class. In the 165 division, Gonzales fought his No. 9-ranked opponent to a 9-4 decision loss.
The loss marks Eau Claire's 25th consecutive dual meet loss to the Eagles. The Blugolds are now 3-13 overall, 1-3 in the WIAC.
This Saturday, the Blugolds will host the 33rd annual UW-Eau Claire Wrestling Invitational. Thirteen teams are scheduled to participate and competition will begin at 9 a.m.
