MINNEAPOLIS — Lawrence University (1-0) secured a decisive 9-1 victory over North Central University (Minn.) (0-1) on Friday at US Bank Stadium. The team capitalized on five doubles and a triple, amassing 10 hits to dominate the game.

In the third inning, the squad capitalized on an error by the North Central catcher, allowing Ben Gutowski to reach base and advance on the throw. Aj Desantiag then tripled to right field, bringing Gutowski home. Tate  Hartlaub followed with a single to left field, scoring Desantiag. The team led 2-0 after three innings.

The fifth inning saw Steven Baudendis double down the right-field line, followed by an RBI double from Cj Filipek. The Rams responded with a run of their own after  Meckler doubled and scored on an A. Barajas single, making the score 3-1 in favor of Lawrence through five innings.

Lawrence extended its lead in the sixth inning. Nathan Depew scored on an error by the center fielder, followed by Desantiag's RBI double and Hartlaub's RBI double, resulting in a 6-1 advantage.

In the seventh inning, the Vikings added three more runs. Filipek walked and Sage Beebe-Jenny singled, setting up William Zatkowski's two-RBI double. Myles Brincks scored on a wild pitch, bringing the score to 9-1.

The Vikings would hold on to secure a opening day victory in Minnesota.

Nick Katz delivered a solid performance on the mound for Lawrence, pitching 5 innings and allowing only 3 hits while striking out 5 batters. Katz did not issue any walks, maintaining a WHIP of 0.60, and secured the win with just one earned run. Malachi Ross came in as relief, pitching 2 innings without conceding a hit and striking out 4 batters. Ross also maintained a low WHIP of 0.50, despite allowing one walk and hitting a batter.