PLYMOUTH — Carthage built an early cushion and controlled the opening portion of Wednesday night's dual, but Lakeland used a string of bonus-point victories in the back half of the lineup to hand the Firebirds a 29-15 setback in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin action.

Carthage won four of the first five contested bouts and claimed five total victories on the night. The Firebirds surged ahead 15-3 through 157 pounds before Lakeland answered with decisive performances in the middle and upper weights to swing the dual.

Chris Kish put Carthage on the board immediately at 125 pounds with a forfeit win, giving the Firebirds an early 6-0 lead. After Lakeland answered with a decision at 133, Edgar Albino delivered a steady performance at 141, earning a 7-2 decision to push Carthage back in front. Elijah Zepeda followed at 149 with a 6-3 decision, extending the advantage to 12-3.

Zaren Anderson capped the early run at 157 pounds, grinding out a 3-2 decision to give Carthage a 15-3 lead and firm control of the dual heading into the middle weights.

Lakeland began its rally at 165, scoring a technical fall to cut into the margin. The Muskies added momentum at 174 and 184, where CJ Gilbert dropped a 5-0 decision, trimming the Carthage lead to just one point. Falls at 197 and 285 ultimately sealed the outcome for Lakeland.

Carthage returns to action on Saturday, February 7 taking part in the Terrell Brown Invite in Dubuque, Iowa starting at 9 a.m.