THOMASVILLE, GA |  On Friday night, the Night Hawks (17-9) welcomed SSAC rival William Carey Crusaders (13-9) for the opening game of a three-game series. Thomas University came into the match-up fresh off a split series on Wednesday afternoon against Oakland City, while the Crusaders arrived with momentum, showcasing a two-game win streak.
 
In the early stages of the game, William Carey took the lead in the first inning with a one-out ground-out to second base, putting the Panthers ahead 1-0. However, the Night Hawks wasted no time responding in the bottom half of the inning. Kason Buie kick-started the offense with a well-executed bunt single, swiftly followed by a steal to advance to second base. With Buie in scoring position, a subsequent ground-out advanced him to third base with only one out in the inning. The Night Hawks capitalized on the opportunity, as Max Pickert lifted a deep fly ball to center field for a sacrifice fly, leveling the score at 1-1 after one inning.
 
The momentum swung back in favor of the Crusaders in the top of the third inning, as their bats came alive with three consecutive hits, a 2-RBI triple, a RBI single, and a 2-RBI home run over the right field wall resulting in five runs scored to help extend William Carey's lead to 6-1. The Panthers continued to capitalize on their offensive performance, adding two more runs in the sixth and eighth innings to secure a decisive 8-1 victory in game one.
 
In the game, three Night Hawks hitters stood out with multiple hits. Max Pickert and Kason Buie both went 2-for-3, each securing two singles, while Turner Maddox contributed with a 2-for-4 performance, also notching two singles.

The series continues today at Varnedoe Stadium with a doubleheader, beginning at 1PM.  For up-to-date information on awards and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU baseball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksBaseba.