The young Albert Lea wrestling squad faced a tough task Friday night going up against the No. 3-ranked Scott West in its final dual before the Rumble on the Red.

Despite solid performances from several wrestlers, the Tigers fell just five points short, losing the dual 30-25.

After a double forfeit at 106 pounds, Albert Lea fell behind in the first contested match of the night, when senior Caleb Miller  lost by pinfall in the second period.

The Tigers would get a pinfall win right back, however, with eighth-grader Cole Glazier picking up the fall at 1:33. Freshman Cam Davis put the Tigers ahead 10-6 after a 10-2 major-decision victory at 126 pounds.

In a battle of ranked wrestlers, Albert Lea’s No. 3 Nic Cantu and Scott West’s No. 1 Justin Stauffocher wrestled to a 7-2 decision win in favor of Stauffocher, putting Scott West down just one point.

Freshman Henry Eggum picked up a pinfall win in the second period of his bout at 138 pounds, followed by sophomore Caleb Talemantes going to the wire with No. 1 Tyler Schackle. Talamantes lost the match by decision, 9-6.

Sophomore Griffin Studier came out on top of a one-point matchup, winning his match  at 152 pounds by decision, 5-4.

Senior Connor Barney dropped his match by pinfall, but was picked up by sophomore Josiah Hedensten at 170 pounds, notching a 8-6 decision win.

With four weight classes remaining, Albert Lea trailed 21-19. Senior Zach Glazier turned that around with a first-period pinfall, giving the Tigers a 25-21 lead.

After another double forfeit at 195 pounds, senior Brady Nielsen  dropped a heart breaker to No. 7 John Huss, 5-3 in overtime.

In the final match of the night, senior Elmer Diaz fell by pinfall in the first period to put Scott West over the top.

The Tigers fall to 8-3 in duals this season and will be back on the mat at the Rumble in the Red, starting on Friday in Fargo, North Dakota.