EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - Though the UW-Eau Claire wrestling team hadn't beaten the Pioneers since 2008, the Blugolds pulled out a win tonight, defeating UW-Platteville 24-16 at the McPhee Physical Education Center.

The Blugolds picked up five wins during the competition, led by Joe Pitsch (Jr.-Oshkosh, Wis./North) in the 285 weight class. Pitsch pinned his opponent in 6:06, earning his fourth pin of the season. Brian Reier (Jr.-Stillwater, Minn.) and Ricky Gonzales (So.-Bluffton, S.C.) both earned decisions to propel the Blugolds ahead. Reier won 9-3 in the 141 weight division while Gonzales fought a closer match, defeating his challenger 3-2 in the 165 class.

Eau Claire also picked up victories with Levi Polus (Jr.-Winona, Minn.) in the 157 division from a forfeit and Will Christ (Jr.-Shell Lake, Wis.) in the 184 class via injury default.

The Blugolds' last triumph over Platteville was Jan. 8, 2008, when the team inched out a 22-20 victory.  Tonight's win – Eau Claire's third in four meets – improves the Blugolds to 3-7 overall this season and 1-1 in the conference. 

This Saturday, the Blugolds will battle St. Cloud State University (Minn.) at home. The meet is set for 7 p.m. in McPhee.