KENOSHA, Wis. – Cornell's men's wrestling team won three matches in a season-opening 34-12 dual loss to defending NCAA runner-up and second-ranked UW-La Crosse Sunday afternoon.
 
The Rams (0-1) held their own most of the meet against a strong UW-La Crosse squad that had four nationally-ranked individuals in its lineup. Cornell trailed 14-12 through six matches before the Eagles pulled away by winning the final four.
 
Junior 133-pounder Jayson Stevens secured Cornell's first match victory, scoring a third-period takedown for a 4-2 decision over Wyatt Magolski.
 
Seniors AJ Parrish and Brian Petry posted back-to-back wins at 157 and 165 pounds, respectively, to keep the Rams close. Parrish came on late and pinned Kellen Kelly in 6:19.
 
The fifth-ranked Petry tallied three takedowns in his 11-5 decision over Caleb Cady, cutting the team deficit to 14-12.
 
In a swing match at 174, Eddie Simes held off Cornell's Nolan Howell for a 4-2 decision.
 
UW-La Crosse (1-0) finished the dual with three consecutive bonus-point wins, including two pins and a technical fall.
 
Coming up – The Rams compete at the Jim Fox Invitational Saturday in Dubuque.