A weekend of close matches and near misses ended for Greenchain with a sixth-place finish at the Western Montana Duals wrestling tournament in Ronan.

That finish, edging out two Class AA junior-varsity squads, came at the hands of Polson, the second loss to the Pirates in three days.

It began Thursday, when Polson shut down Libby 54-37 at home. The Pirates earned five pins, dominating the lightweights. The Loggers won five matches with three pins. 

Michael Ayala, Skylar Higareda and Garrett Chapel earned the pins over Polson, with Josh McGough earning a forfeit at heavyweight.

Greenchain went on from the dual match to the Western Montana tournament, with a highly successful first day. 

Libby earned three wins to remain undefeated in day-one action, beating Florence 54-30, Mission 45-36 and Flathead junior varsity 42-39.

Chapel, Ayala, Josh Bowers, Zach Crace and Ricky Roach won all three of their matches (counting forfeits).

The next day featured tougher competition and Greenchain’s results reflected it.

Frenchtown handed Libby a 51-36 loss, and Polson beat them 48-39. Greenchain rolled over Columbia Falls’ junior varsity 48-30.

Crace again won all his matches, along with Zach Dolezal (with a forfeit).

The fatigue had set in by the last match against the Pirates, as Libby started a few junior-varsity athletes in starting positions.

Greenchain will next head to the Lake City Tournament in Frenchtown on Thursday.