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LAKELAND, Fla. — Thomas University opened its 2026 season on the road Thursday, showing flashes of defensive strength and encouraging individual performances despite a pair of losses to No. 19 Southeastern University.
In Game 1, the Night Hawks demonstrated early‑season poise on defense, turning two double plays and getting strong innings from several fielders. Paisley Wallace was a steady presence behind the plate with four putouts and two assists, while Ava Nunez helped convert both double plays with clean execution on the infield. Rileigh Spinosa contributed four putouts at first base.
At the plate, Ashlyn Powell and Alexis Adams each delivered solid swings, tallying two of Thomas' three hits, and freshman pitcher Maggie Stubbs provided a highlight with a pinch‑hit single in her first at‑bat of the year. In the circle, Stubbs later added four scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and keeping the Fire off the board through the middle and late frames
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In Game 2, Thomas continued showing defensive growth, limiting Southeastern to five hits and holding the Fire scoreless in four separate innings. Cloey O'Doniel led the offense with a 2‑for‑3 performance, including the Night Hawks' first extra‑base hit of the season, a double. Ava Nunez added her second hit of the day, displaying consistency in both matchups.
Freshman Katelyn Shiver and junior Natalie Hiles combined for five assists, helping stabilize the infield. In the circle, senior Taylor Young delivered one of Thomas' strongest outings of the day, tossing 1.2 scoreless, hitless innings in relief.
