PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Montevallo wrestling team fell to No. 24 UNC Pembroke, 31-15, in the semifinal round of the Conference Carolinas Championship on Sunday.

After a forfeit and a technical fall gave UNC Pembroke an early advantage, the Falcons answered at 141 pounds. Kaden Brown delivered a gritty 5-2 decision over Don Edwards to put Montevallo on the board. Momentum continued at 149 as Max Stedeford pinned Avery Buonocore at the 4:48 mark. The fall pulled the Falcons within two, trimming the deficit to 11-9.

UNC Pembroke responded by taking the next three bouts. Jeffery Tubbs halted the UNCP run with an 8-2 decision over Jose Zambrano at 184 to close the gap to 25-12.

At 285 pounds, Willie Cox capped the afternoon with a hard-fought 10-9 decision over Nigel Williams, earning his 24th win of the season. Despite the late push, the Braves sealed the semifinal victory by a 31-15 final.

After his strong showing, Tubbs earned Upper-Weight Most Outstanding Wrestler honors at the conclusion of the Conference Carolinas Championship.

UP NEXT: Montevallo now turns its focus to the NCAA Super Regional in Greenwood, S.C., scheduled for Feb. 28.