BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb wrestling opened its 2021-2022 season in style Thursday night, rolling to a 30-3 win over Belmont Abbey in Paul Porter Arena.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs (1-0) jumped out to an early 13-0 lead after a 6-0 decision by Aedyn Concepcion at 125 pounds, a dominant, 15-6 major decision by Todd Carter at 133 pounds, a 10-6 decision by Trevon Majette at 141 pounds and a 10-3 decision by Brandon Bright at 149 pounds.
 
The Crusaders (0-1) picked up a 3-1 decision from Jacob Dodson at 157 pounds, but that would be all for the visitors.
 
Returning NCAA Division I qualifier RJ Mosley handled 2021 Division II All-American Mitch Dean, getting an early lead and holding on for a 5-1 decision.
 
Evan Schenk posted a 5-0 shutout at 174 pounds to continue the momentum and returning NCAA Division I qualifier Jha'Quan Anderson was unstoppable at 184 pounds once again. Anderson had his way during the match, taking an 18-2 tech. fall win (6:48).
 
Anthony Perrine, who has moved back to a more natural weight class at 197 pounds, won an 8-4 decision in his season opener and freshman standout Peyton McComas – a two-time state champion at Grundy (Va.) High – cruised to an 8-3 decision to cap the night's action.
 
Gardner-Webb will be back in action on Sunday, November 14 at the 2021 Mountaineer Invitational in Boone N.C. The team's next home dual will come on December 11 vs. Big Ten foe Michigan State. That match is slated for a 6 pm start on ESPN+.
 
GARDNER-WEBB 30, BELMONT ABBEY 3
125: Aedyn Concepcion (Gardner-Webb) over Brandon Crowder (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 6-0)                 
133: Todd Carter (Gardner-Webb) over Ben Fielding (Belmont Abbey) (MD 15-6)                                
14: Trevon Majette (Gardner-Webb) over John Carayiannis (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 10-6)                    
149: Brandon Bright (Gardner-Webb) over Tyler Pepe (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 10-3)                               
157: Jacob Dodson (Belmont Abbey) over Corbin Dion (Gardner-Webb) (Dec 3-1)                                 
165: Rodrick Mosley (Gardner-Webb) over John Dean (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 5-1)                                
174: Evan Schenk (Gardner-Webb) over Christos Avgeros (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 5-0)                          
184: Jhaquan Anderson (Gardner-Webb) over Connor Billingsley (Belmont Abbey) (TF 17-2 6:48)        
197: Anthony Perrine (Gardner-Webb) over Logan Branham (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 8-4)                       
285: Peyton McComas (Gardner-Webb) over Justin Wright (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 8-3)