GUNNISON, Colo. - It was a packed Paul Wright Gym on Thursday night as No. 16 Western State Colorado University wrestled No. 11 Colorado Mesa University in the How the West was Won dual. After getting out to an early lead, Western was caught from behind and the Mavericks took the dual 23-13.

Western (5-3, 2-1 RMAC) got out to an early 7-0 start to the dual with wins by Ronald Wardleigh (Jr., Plain City, Utah) and Zane Rich (RSo., Syracuse, Utah). Wardleigh earned a 16-6 major decision against CMU's Channing Lewis before Rich earned a three-point decision, 9-6, at 133 pounds against Madison Gambrell.

CMU (5-1, 3-0 RMAC) turned the tide with four straight wins. Three were decisions, while one was a technical fall.

Heading into the 174-pound match, Western trailed the Mavericks 14-7.

The Mountaineers' Austin Harris (Sr., Windsor, Colorado) put Western right back into the dual with the only fall Thursday night. Harris pinned Randy Boerner in 2:13 to put Western down one point, 14-13, with three bouts left.

Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, CMU would win the final three matches, all by decision, to take the dual 23-13.

Western will continue the season Friday night when they host Colorado School of Mines at 7 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.