TOWSON, Md. (Interstat) — Simmi Whitehill launched a three-run homer in a seven-run first inning and the Monmouth Hawks never looked back, defeating the Towson Tigers 12-5 in the Colonial Athletic Association opener for both teams Friday afternoon at John B. Schuerholz Baseball Complex.

Monmouth (3-7) sent 11 men to the plate in the first, with Jake Howlett adding a two-run shot. Towson (5-5) answered with three runs in the bottom half, including a two-run homer from Brian Heckelman. The Hawks pulled away with a five-run fifth, featuring a two-run single from Chris Walsh and a two-run homer by Brendan Buecker. Kevin Opanel earned the win with four hitless innings of relief. Keldrin Rodriguez homered for Towson. Both teams finished with 13 hits.