The Loras College wrestling team welcomed Simpson College and the University of Dubuque to the Graber Center on Thursday night for the first duals hosted by the Duhawks this season, and final two of the Iowa Conference schedule. Loras opened with a convincing 34-15 win over the Simpson Storm but lost their dual against the Spartans, 34-9.

Early team points by Pat Pfantz (forfeit at 125#) and a major decision by Colin Hagerty at 149 had Loras in front by a slim 10-9 margin. Wade Dowling won a very evenly matched battle over Willie Slayden 4-3 to push the Storm in front 12-10.

Loras followed with pins in four of the final five matches to reclaim their lead and earn the victory. Each of the falls were recorded in the first period, beginning with Tiegen Podliska at 165#. Josh Kirkland needed 2:47 to take out Curtis Barber. Alex Grafft and Jeremy Klein closed out the dual at 197 and heavyweight by making quick work of their opponents, each finishing in less than one minute.

The Dubuque dual was off to a good start when Pat Pfantz took early control of his bout at 125# and earned a 6-3 decision. A forfeit at 133# put Loras behind, but Matt Holmes responded with a hotly contested and entertaining 1-0 decision over Marc Schultz. Dubuque rattled off four straight wins, including two by nationally ranked Josh Terrell and Evan Brown. Josh Kirkland earned near fall in the second period against Jacob Durbin to extend his lead and he cruised to a 8-1 win to get the Duhawks back in the win column. Kirkland was the lone Duhawk to wrestle and win both matches on Thursday (Pfantz won by forfeit in Simpson dual and a decision versus Dubuque opponent). Alex Grafft nearly pushed the Duhawks into double digits in team points, but couldn't earn a takedown despite a handful of quality attempts against Sam Johnson.

Loras returns to the mats on February 5^th when they recognize their seniors prior to the dual with UW-Platteville at 7:00 pm. They host the Duhawk Open the following day in the Graber Center as well.