BOILING SPRINGS – Eastern Michigan jumped out to a 13-0 lead, withstood a strong rally by Gardner-Webb midway through the match and came away with a 22-11 win over the Runnin' Bulldogs Friday in both teams' season opener.

The match, dubbed Dual on the Diamond, started outdoors in John Henry Moss Stadium – home of the Gardner-Webb baseball team – but was moved indoors to Paul Porter Arena after condensation became an issue on the mat early in the 165-pound bout.

After the Eagles (1-0) picked up decisions at 125, 133 and 141 pounds, Eastern Michigan's Kyle Springer rolled to a 16-7 major decision at 149 pounds to put the visitors up 13-0 in front of a very loud home crowd.

Redshirt junior standout Tyler Marinelli pumped the home crowd up very early in his 157-pound matchup, attacking J.J. Wolfe early in the first period to build an insurmountable lead. The Jefferson, Ga., native used a series of near falls to end the match – winning 18-3 by tech fall (3:41).

After the match moved indoors, Gardner-Webb's Brett Stein and Eastern Michigan's Zac Carson engaged in the most exciting matchup of the night. Stein score a point in the final five seconds of the third period to tie the score, 7-7, and recorded a quick takedown for a 9-7 (SV-1) victory.

Christian Maroni stepped in with another close win, taking a 7-6 decision over Andrew McNally at 174 pounds – which pulled Gardner-Webb within two team points at 13-11.

The Eagles bounced back, winning the final three bouts by decision, to secure a 22-11 win.

Gardner-Webb will have little time to rest, as it travels to Blacksburg, Va., on Sunday for the 2017 Hokie Open.

EASTERN MICHIGAN 22, GARDNER-WEBB 11
125: Tomas Gutierrez (EMU) dec. Keegan Duncan (GWU); 3-1
133: Noah Gonser (EMU) dec. Philip Anderson (GWU); 6-2
141: Sa'Derian Perry (EMU) dec. Denton Spencer (GWU); 8-2
149: Kyle Springer (EMU) major dec. Joby Armenta (GWU); 16-7
157: Tyler Marinelli (GWU) tech fall J.J. Wolfe (EMU); 18-3 (3:41)
165: Brett Stein (GWU) dec. Zac Carson (EMU); 9-7 (SV-1)
174: Christian Maroni (GWU) dec. Andrew McNally (EMU); 7-6
184: Kayne MacCallum (EMU) dec. Cole Graves (GWU); 6-0
197: Derek Hillman (EMU) dec. Anthony Perrine (GWU); 7-3
285: #20 Gage Hutchinson (EMU) dec. Lathan Bumgarner (GWU); 6-2