MELBOURNE, Fla. - Thanks to a stout defensive performance and a solid offensive outing, Florida Tech claimed a 7-5 victory over Sunshine State Conference rival Nova Southeastern in game one of the weekend series on Friday at Andy Seminick - Les Hall Field.

Kevin Capella went 2-for-3 to lead FIT with three RBIs. Rodnie Bernard also finished 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, while Jacob Buser and Jakob Newton scored two runs apiece. 

On the mound for the Panthers was their ace, Ty Cohen. Cohen saw five and two-thirds innings of work in which he allowed four runs, seven hits and struck out 10 of the 26 batters he faced. Justin Barney came in relief of Cohen and tossed one and one-third innings and gave up just one run and three hits to the Sharks.

Drew Beyer closed out the game for Florida Tech on the mound, pitching two scoreless innings to keep the Sharks at five runs for the night. 

A fielding error by the Sharks in the bottom half of the first allowed Capella to drive in Ryan Sinzenich and Buser and gave FIT a 2-0 edge. The Sharks answered in the third as Jake Anchia knocked out a single that brought home one run.

A throwing error by the Sharks in the bottom of the third allowed home another run for the Panthers as Buser crossed the plate to give Florida Tech a 3-1 edge. 

NSU mounted a three-run sixth inning to corral their first lead of the game 4-3. The Sharks advantage did not last long as FIT regained the lead in the bottom half of the sixth on a Newton double that brought Zac Orchard across the plate. Bernard then shot a single to right field that scored Newton and gave FIT a 5-4 lead.  

NSU tied the ball game at 5-5 in the top of the seventh. However, FIT responded again in the bottom half of the inning when Buser's deep sac fly to center sent Daniel Szpik flying across the bag, handing the Panthers a one-run advantage.

After Florida Tech tacked on another run in the eighth inning, Beyer sealed the deal in the ninth to help the Panthers earn the series opening win.

The Panthers and Sharks continue the series with a Saturday doubleheader starting at 12 p.m.  Fans can access live coverage of the action at FloridaTechSports.com/live.