Wrestling Falls 23-16 At Utah Valley

OREM, Utah - Searching for their fourth straight dual victory, the Northern Colorado wrestling team came up a little short, losing a 23-16 match to Utah Valley. The Bears are now 4-10-1 in dual matches this season and 2-2 in Western Wrestling Conference action.

Northern Colorado won just four of the 10 weight classes on the evening, with one pin, one major decision and two decisions, while Utah Valley's six wins came by one fall, two major decisions and three decisions.

The match began at 133 pounds, which Utah Valley won by fall in the final 20 seconds as Flint Ray pinned Brett Bahe. The Bears won the next three weight classes as Kenny Hashimoto posted a major decision, Mitchell Polkowske won by decision and Justin Gaethje recorded his second straight win by fall for the 13-6 lead. Utah Valley answered with wins at the next three weight classes, two by major decisions and regained the 20-13 advantage. Junior heavyweight Justin Tuell won a 7-2 decision to bring the team back withing four, 20-16, but UV's Ben Kjar managed to defeated #19 Tony Mustari 7-4 at 125 pounds for the 23-16 win.

"We've won three in a row and were hoping for a fourth, but took a half-step back tonight," said Head Coach Jack Maughan. "The difference in the match was bonus points and we flat out didn't compete like we can. The upside is Kenny Hashimoto looks like he is getting back to his old form and Justin Gaethje continued to look good. That's little solace when we lose however."

Northern Colorado takes a break from competition next week, returning to the mat at the Air Force Academy on Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the team's fifth Western Wrestling Conference match of the year.