BOILING SPRINGS, NC - The Iona College baseball team dropped its 2016 season opener to Gardner-Webb 11-1 in non-conference action at Moss Stadium. A nine-run fifth inning for the Bulldogs was the turning point in the contest.

Senior C Carmine Palummo went 2-for-3 with a double to lead the Gaels offensively. Junior 1B Matt Byrne and rookie RF Fran Kinsey had the other two Maroon & Gold hits. Byrne doubled in the sixth inning to drive Palummo with two out.

Junior RHP Bill Maier took the loss. He tossed 4.1 innings and allowed eight hits and two earned runs.

Iona continues the four-game weekend series at Gardner-Webb in a Saturday doubleheader beginning at noon.