FARMVILLE, VA -- The NJIT baseball team opened the 2026 season Friday afternoon with a 10-1 setback against Longwood.

The Highlanders collected six hits on the afternoon, highlighted by multi-hit efforts from Ty Sallie, a triple from Brody Levin and a double from Sheehan O'Connor.

The Lancers jumped out early, plating six runs in the bottom of the first inning. After a pair of walks and a single loaded the bases, the Lancers connected for a grand slam to give the Lancers a 4-0 lead. Longwood added two more runs in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead 6-0.

The Highlanders broke through in the fifth inning when Levin ripped a triple to center and later scored on a wild pitch to cut the deficit to 6-1.

Austin Francis and Dillon Can each recorded singles as the Highlanders totaled six hits.

On the mound, Tate Jones provided 4.1 innings of relief, allowing three runs, two earned, while striking out five. Anthony Catalano and Brendan Opat combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, with Opat tossing two shutout frames and striking out one.

Longwood added three runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to extend its lead as the Highlanders fall on opening day.

Next Up

The Highlanders will look to bounce back with a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. Game one is scheduled for 12 p.m. and game two is scheduled for 4 p.m.