The Albert Lea wrestling team hosted Owatonna Thursday night in a rematch of last season’s section final, which saw Albert Lea come out victorious and earn a trip to the state duals.

Despite many close matches and pinfalls from some underclassmen, the Tigers were unable to overcome two open weight classes, falling to the Huskies 41-22.

Owatonna started the a victory at 106 pounds via a forfeit by Albert Lea.

The Huskies added to the lead in the next match when Albert Lea senior Caleb Miller fell to a pinfall in the first period.

Eighth-grader Cole Glazier got the Tigers their first victory with a pinfall in the third period. Glazier was in a tight battle, heading into the third period up just 3-2 before earning the six-point fall.

Next up was senior Nic Cantu at 126 pounds. Cantu dominated the match picking up a couple near falls, but ultimately winning by a major decision, 15-3.

After four matches, Albert Lea trailed 12-10.

At 132 pounds freshman Cam Davis looked to be in complete control of the match, leading 6-1 after the first period. However, his Owatonna opponent battled back to tie the match at 6-6 going into the third and eventually won the match 11-8.

Eighth-grader Derrick McMillian picked up the second pindfall of the night for the Tigers. McMillian was on top 6-2 after one period and pinned his opponent just over a minute into the second. The fall gave Albert Lea its first lead of the dual, 16-15.

The Tigers dropped their next three matches, giving the Huskies a solid lead with just five matches to go.

Sophomore Caleb Talamantes fell by way of a 10-5 decision after leading his opponent 5-0 after the first period.

Junior Ethan Jerdee fell at 152 pounds via a 9-1 major decision and sophomore Griffin Studier also came out on the wrong end of a major decision, 10-1.

Sophomore Josiah Hedensten got the Tigers back on the winning track with a 7-2 decision victory at 170 pounds. The win brought Albert Lea closer, but Owatonna still led 26-19 with only four matches remaining.

Senior Connor Barney was pinned in the third period of his match, extending the Husky lead to 32-19.

Next up, at 195, was the matchup everyone was waiting to see. No. 1 ranked Zach Glazier took on No. 2 Cade King and for the third time this season, Glazier came out on top. The match was very close all throughout with Glazier trailing with under a minute left in the match. An escape and a stalling point led to Glazier taking the lead and earning yet another victory over the 2018 182-pound state champion.

Senior Brady Nielsen was next up for the Tigers. Nielsen dropped the match at 220 pounds via a 5-2 decision and put the Huskies up by an insurmountable 35-22 lead.

A forfeit at 285 game the Huskies another six points as they topped the Tigers.

Albert Lea drops to 8-4 in dual action this season and will be back in action on Saturday when they head to St. Cloud Tech for a tournament.