MANKATO, MINN. – The 25^th ranked Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs fell to the Minnesota State University Mavericks on Saturday evening by a score of 30-15. This loss brings the Mustangs to 3-6 overall and 1-6 in the NSIC, while the Mavericks improve to 5-3 and 2-3 in the NSIC.
 
Carlo Arreola started off the meet strong for the Mustangs, dominating MSU's Lucas Ryan at 125, to win by 21-6 tech fall.
 
Minnesota State won by fall at 133 and 141, to take a 12-5 lead.
 
Luke Peterson and Sean Howk both earned decision victories, with Peterson winning by 7-2 decision and Sean Howk securing a takedown in the final second of his match, to earn a 6-5 win. With those two victories and MSU receiving a team point penalty, the score came to 11-11.  
 
MSU dominated from 165-184, winning 165 by major decision, as well as 174 and 184 by fall.
 
Caden Steffen got the Mustangs back in the win column with an 11-2 major decision victory over MSU's Shane Gibson.
 
The heavyweight matchup saw Jacob Dykes face off with Tanner Gaffey. Gaffey earned a takedown with only a few seconds left in the third period to secure a 5-2 decision victory.
 
"What a dual!" Said third-year head coach Chayse Jackson, "that had upsets, throws, decisions, and more! You can't ask for more action as a fan. Unfortunately, as a coach, it came down to bonus points. Both teams had the opportunity to go big, and this time it went against us. We were in the dual with everyone in the lineup fighting for position and points. A quick two week break from competition to get back on track and hit is hard against northern and USF. The region is coming closer and closer, and I feel that we are beginning to peak at the right time!"
 
MSU 30*, SMSU 15
125 presented by Fixen Chiropractic
- Carlo Arreola (SMSU) over Lucas Ryan (MSU) (TF 21-6 6:50)
133 presented by Fort Pierre Livestock Auction
- Andrew Weiss (MSU) over Chase Hanson (SMSU) (Fall 3:40)
141 presented by Leirman Excavating Co.
- Trayton Anderson (MSU) over Hunter Pfantz (SMSU) (Fall 3:09)
149 presented by Xcaliber Gunsmithing
- Luke Peterson (SMSU) over Isaiah Misna (MSU) (Dec 7-2)
157 presented by Wendinger Travel
- Sean Howk (SMSU) over Caleb Meunier (MSU) (Dec 6-5)
165 presented by Mustang Wrestling Club
- Kole Marko (MSU) over Ashton LaBelle (SMSU) (MD 13-4)
174 presented by Cottonwood Oil Co-op
- Drake Hayward (MSU) over Lucas Hodges (SMSU) (Fall
184 presented by The Marshall Army National Guard
- Gavin Christopherson (MSU) over Elijah Sterner (SMSU) (Fall
197 presented by Borch's Sporting Goods
- Caden Steffen (SMSU) over Shane Gibson (MSU) (MD 12-2)
285 presented by Countryside Golf Club
- Tanner Gaffey (MSU) over Jacob Dykes (SMSU) (Dec 5-2)
*MSU was penalized a team point
 
The Mustangs will return to action on Friday, Feb 16 when they host Northern State for a dual in the PE gym, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The dual will be SMSU wrestling's Game of the Year, Senior Night and Rave Night.