ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Despite an early lead, the Lafayette Leopards fell to Navy, 9-1, on Friday afternoon in the series opener at Max Bishop Stadium.

Lafayette opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. Liam Ebbs sparked the offense with a double down the left-field line and was promptly driven home by a Matt Colella RBI-single up the middle. The early momentum was short-lived as Navy responded with a six-run second inning. The Midshipmen's surge in the second was highlighted by a three-run home run from Victor Izquierdo and an RBI-single by Eduardo Brown, to make the score 6-1.

Navy extended its lead in the fifth inning, adding three more runs. Chris Klug connected for a two-run home run, and a wild pitch later in the frame allowed another run to cross the plate, bringing the tally to 9-1. Lafayette attempted to rally in the seventh, loading the bases after Will Dobil reached on an error, Charlie Chropuvka walked, and Ebbs was hit by a pitch. The Leopards were unable to capitalize and the final score remained 9-1.

Lafayette's offense combined for total of eight hits on the day, featuring a multi-hit performance from Colella, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Ebbs, who added a double and a run scored in the effort.

Brady Bendik earned the win for Navy, pitching 7.2 innings, allowing one run on eight hits while striking out nine. Tristan Helmick took the loss after surrendering six runs on seven hits and four walks over 3.0 innings.

The Leopards return to action for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Navy.