Marysville-Pilchuck defeated visiting Oak Harbor 57-16 in wrestling Tuesday.

Wildcat coach Mike Crebbin said, “Marysville has a solid dual team line-up. Their depth allows them to present a good wrestler at every weight. Our lack of depth at many weights was really evident, especially this time of year with injuries and eligibility issues. We had four forfeits where we had no available wrestlers, and at two weights we had first year wrestlers, which is not ideal in the Wesco North. Sometimes that’s how you match up. As a team, we were out wrestled.”

Oak Harbor picked up just three wins in the match. After struggling early, Brandon Stratton (140 pounds), came back to earn a pin in 4:23. In the next bout, Colton Elliot (145) was up just 2-0 after the first period but exploded for a 13-0 major decision. At 171, Zach Loescher fought through a low-scoring match before winning by a fall in the third period. Crebbin said Loecher’s superior physical conditioning was evident at the end.

Although he lost 5-2 at 130, Oak Harbor welcomed back Josh Barton, who should add some depth to the lineup. Crebbin said, “He (Barton) wasn’t able to get his shot defense working and fell behind due to takedowns.”

Crebbin said, “It’s perfect gut check time for us as a team. We’ll see which wrestlers strive to improve and which ones resign to mediocrity.”

Saturday, Jan. 16, Oak Harbor travels to the Kelso Invitational. That will end the team’s “road trip.” After seven away matches beginning Dec. 19, the Wildcats will host Monroe Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.