DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Loras College men's wrestling team lost a close, yet exciting dual tonight, falling to No. 6-ranked Augsburg University, 20-15.

The Duhawks put themselves ahead early on after the first two matches. At 125 lbs, freshman Connor Fiser made his home and dual meet debut. He secured a 7-3 decision win. Aiden Evans (133 lbs) captured a big win, beating his opponent, who is ranked 10^th in the country, 11-5.

The Auggies also had consecutive victories, with decision wins at 141 and 149 lbs. Still, junior Eric Kinkaid got the crowd back on their feet after his 16-1 tech fall at 157 lbs. Headed into intermission, the Purple and Gold held on to an 11-6 lead.

Augsburg picked up a win at 165 lbs, but Loras answered. In a top five showdown, No. 3-ranked Zeb Gnida (174 lbs) earned a major decision over his No. 5-ranked competitor, 15-6.

With wins at 184 and 197 lbs, the Aggies went out ahead, 17-15, to set up a winner-takes-all match at heavyweight. Unfortunately for the Duhawks, they would drop the match, 9-5 and be handed their first loss of the season.

The Purple and Gold are back in action in one week, traveling to Mount Vernon, Iowa to take on Cornell College on Thursday, Dec. 12. Action is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. from the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.