Hammond, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse wrestling team, ranked fifth in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Top-30 Poll, fell 29-3 to NCAA Division I the U.S. Air Force Academy Saturday at St. Croix Central High School.  The Eagles drop to 0-1 on the season while the Falcons improve to 1-1 in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. 

The U.S. Air Force took the three matches by decision to lead 9-0.  Drew Romero earned a 10-8 win over Ryan Weinmann at 125-pounds to open the dual.  Josh Martinez, ranked 13th in the country at 133-pounds, earned a 6-2 victory over sixth-ranked Dustin Weinmann.  Dave Walker's 5-3 win over eighth-ranked Cody See gave the Falcons a 9-0 lead.

UWL got on the board at 149-pounds with Mason Geary earning a 6-3 decision over Jerry McGinty as the Eagles cut the lead to 9-3.  The U.S. Air Force Academy took the final six matches to earn the victory.  Zach Stephan won by decision (3-2) over Austin Schoen at 157-pounds to make it 12-3, followed by Alex Lopouchanski's major decision (13-4) over Andrew Dayland at 165-pounds. 

Adam Jackson won by decision (4-3) over UWL's top-ranked Tyler Schneider at 174-pounds to give the Falcons a 19-3 advantage.  Willie Baker won by decision (7-4) over Alex Friedman at 184-pounds while Parker Hines won by major decision (16-5) over Zach Tooley at 197-pounds and Marcus Malecek won by decision (7-3) over Clay Broze at 285-pounds.

UWL returns to action Saturday, December 5 hosting the Candlewood Suites Duals.  The Eagles face Southwest Minnesota State University at 9 a.m., Loras College (Iowa) at 10:45 a.m. and Saint John's University (Minn.) at 12:30 p.m.