Pioneers downed by No. 15 UW-Whitewater

WHITEWATER, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team split the first six matches before the No. 15 nationally ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater won the final four to close out the dual and secure a 23-10 victory. 

To start things off, the Pioneers (2-4, 0-3) trailed the Warhawks (8-1, 3-1) after junior Isaac Wiegel fell just shy of a third-period comeback and loss by 5-4 decision. Junior Zach Thompson followed at 133 pounds and the Pioneers took a 5-3 lead after a win by technical fall, 16-0 (2:38). 

UW-Whitewater claimed the next two bouts and a 9-5 lead before freshman Own Norman defeated his opponent at 157 pounds by a 10-3 decision to trim the deficit to 9-8. The Pioneers took the lead once again one bout later when junior Peter Driscoll defeated his opponent by a 10-4 decision at 165 pounds. 

Leading 11-9, the Pioneers lost another close match at 174 pounds when junior Alex Strueder loss 2-1 in overtime. The Warhawks added three and the Pioneers' team score was reduced to 10 due to misconduct.  UW-Platteville would not regain the lead again as the nationally ranked host went on to win the final three bouts. 

The Pioneers will return to action next weekend since the conference dual against UW-La Crosse, originally scheduled for Friday, Jan. 21 has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The dual against the Eagles has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 1 in Williams Fieldhouse while the dual on Feb. 4 against UW-Oshkosh has been moved to the Center for the Arts and will serve as the Throwdown in the Theatre.

UW-Whitewater 23, UW-Platteville 10

125 - Alex Barbarise (UWW) d. Isaac Wiegel (UWP) by decision, 5-4

133 - Zach Thompson (UWP) d. Matt McEnroe (UWW) by technical fall, 16-0 (2:38)

141 - Dakarai Clay (UWW) d. Caleb Radtke (UWP) by decision, 10-6

149 - Jake Burford (UWW) d. Brock Parker (UWP) by decision, 6-2

157 - Owen Norman (UWP) d. Ty Miller (UWW) by decision, 10-3

165 - Peter Driscoll (UWP) d. Shane Piper (UWW) by decision, 10-4

174 - Ryan Riser (UWW) d. Alexander Strueder (UWP) by decision, 2-1 (SV-2)

184 - Jaritt Shinhoster (UWW) d. Tyler Hannah (UWP) by major decision, 14-6

197 - Chad Richards (UWW) d. Alex Witt (UWP) by major decision, 13-1

285 - Cadin Koeppel (UWW) d. Brett Schoenherr (UWP) by decision, 3-1

*UW-Platteville was deducted 1 team point for misconduct.

Exhibition

125 – John Fortugno (UWW) d. Nolan McKittrick (UWP) by decision, 9-6

157 – Ryan Hannah (UWP) d. Simon Rillie (UWW) by major decision, 13-3

165 – David Cushman (UWP) d. Buddy Evangelista (UWW) by decision, 7-4

184 – Jacob Seward (UWP) d. Jerred Grell (UWW) by technical fall, 17-1

285 – Luke Leranth (UWP) d. Garner Simmons (UWW) by decision, 3-1