LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon Mountaineers opened their season with a series of duals, competing against the University of Providence and Arizona Christian University. Eastern Oregon finished the day 1-1, securing the victory over Arizona Christian (30-12) and after a narrow defeat to the University of Providence (22-15).

Match #1: University of Providence 22, Eastern Oregon 15

In the first dual, Eastern Oregon narrowly fell to the University of Providence, 22-15. Notable performances came from EOU's upper weights, where Kyle Knudtson (184 lbs) earned a 8-3 decision over Sawyer Hobbs, and Eric Karas (197 lbs) followed with a first-period pin at 1:04. Nico Rodriguez (285 lbs) closed out the dual with an 8-3 decision over Ethan DeRoche, but it wasn't enough to overcome a strong start by Providence. Jaxon Morlan (149 lbs) also secured a victory for the Mountaineers, besting Dougie Swanson 9-4. Providence's Jalen Vladic (157 lbs) notched a technical fall, 18-3, over Trace Evans, marking a key win that widened their lead.

Match #2: Eastern Oregon 30, Arizona Christian 12

The Mounties rebounded with a decisive 30-12 victory over Arizona Christian. EOU dominated in both lower and upper weight classes, highlighted by Jaxon Morlan's second-round pin over Josiah Bohn at 149 lbs. Kai Carson (133 lbs) edged out Jason Ramirez with a 7-6 decision, while Cole Cross (141 lbs) secured a technical fall over Gianluca Munoz, 17-2. Knudtson recorded another pin in just over a minute (1:06) at 184 lbs, and Karas added a major decision (10-2) at 197 lbs, pushing the Mountaineers to a comfortable win.

Up next the Mounties will continue another exciting day of the Mountaineer open tomorrow, November 3rd, all day in the field house at EOU.