GUNNISON, Colo. – With their backs against the wall, No. 15 Western State Colorado University wrestling came from behind and defeated No. 10 University of Central Oklahoma in front of the home crowd in Paul Wright Gym on Saturday.
 
Midway through Saturday's dual against UCO (12-3, 4-0 MIAA), Western (10-4, 3-1 RMAC) trailed 15-3.
 
The dual quickly turned in favor of the Mountaineers with Ryan Pellow earning a second period pin at 165 pounds.
 
Pellow was followed by teammate No. 5 Brandon Supernaw at 174 pounds. Supernaw started the bout with a takedown and put the Broncho wrestler on his back. In the process, the UCO wrestler injured his ankle and was unable to continue, giving an injury forfeit to Supernaw.
 
Supernaw was followed by Brendan Gonzales at 184 pounds. Gonzales fell behind early but quickly turned that into an advantage and pinned UCO's Joel Dixon in the second period.
 
The 18 point swing put Western in the driver's seat, leading 18-15 with two matches remaining.
 
Konnor Schmidt put the dual victory out of reach for UCO by earning a technical fall in his 197-pound match, and five team points for the Mountaineers.
 
Jody Sandoval was the only other Mountaineer to taste victory on Saturday. Sandoval earned a 6-4 win by sudden victory in the 141-pound match.
 
Saturday was Western's fourth win this season over a ranked opponent.
 
The Mountaineers will continue the season next Thursday at home against Colorado Mesa University. How The West Was Won will be decided at 7 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.