THOMASVILLE, Ga. – The Crusaders dropped the opening game of a three-game series on Friday, falling 9–2 to Thomas University.
 
WCU struck first in the top of the second inning when Tyler Ducksworth launched a solo home run to left field, giving the Crusaders an early 1–0 lead. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Thomas responded with a three-run rally in the bottom half of the inning.
 
Three consecutive singles by Brayden Lawhon, Noah Smith, and Gabe Tafelski loaded the bases before Elias Garcia was hit by a pitch to force in the tying run. Seth Waltimyer followed with a two-run single to right field, putting the Nighthawks ahead 3–1.
 
Thomas extended its lead in the fourth inning on another RBI single from Waltimyer. WCU trimmed the deficit in the sixth when Taylor Walters singled and later scored on Jayden Mark's RBI knock down the left-field line, making it a 4–2 contest.
 
The Nighthawks quickly put the game out of reach in the bottom of the sixth, scoring five runs on five hits to push their lead to 9–2. Thomas held the Crusaders' offense in check the rest of the way, allowing just one hit over the final three innings.
 
The Crusaders return to action Saturday, wrapping up the series with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at noon.