NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The Old Dominion Monarchs opened their 2026 season with a potent offensive display, erasing an early five-run deficit to defeat the Quinnipiac Bobcats 15-5 on Friday at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex.

The Monarchs, favored to win by the Interstat ELO system, saw that projection tested immediately as they fell behind 5-0. Quinnipiac capitalized in the third inning, scoring three times on an RBI single by C. Will, a double steal that brought L. Zeisloft home, and a run-scoring single from M. Park.

Old Dominion began its methodical comeback in the bottom of the first. After two quick outs, Z. Leite laced a two-run double to right center, cutting the deficit to 5-2 and setting the tone for the Monarchs’ relentless approach.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, where Old Dominion transformed a one-run game into a commanding lead. Trailing 5-4 in the fourth, the Monarchs sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring four times to take a 6-5 advantage. The rally featured an RBI single from C. Jay, a run-scoring single from E. Morales, a sacrifice fly by T. Aiken, and a go-ahead RBI single from Leite. Quinnipiac starter Nick Balcom was relieved by Jacob Belecky during the inning, but the damage was done.

Old Dominion broke the game open an inning later, sending 13 batters to the plate and erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth. The inning was prolonged by a Quinnipiac fielding error and featured a two-run single from Maverick Stallings and an RBI single from Tyler Zedalis. When the inning ended, the Monarchs held an 11-5 lead and had effectively secured the victory.

The Monarchs offense produced 18 hits, with Leite leading the charge. The first baseman went 4-for-5 with four RBIs. Stallings, the second baseman, added three hits, three RBIs and two walks. Zedalis and Scotty Young each collected two hits, while Cash Jay drove in two runs. The Monarchs also executed two sacrifice flies.

Quinnipiac, which begins its season 0-1, managed 11 hits but stranded multiple runners. C. Smith had three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI. K. Garbowski and J. Balcer each added two hits for the Bobcats.

Old Dominion reliever Marcus Van Alstine earned the win after entering in the sixth inning. Nick Sulpizio and C. Lanford closed out the game for the Monarchs, who move to 1-0.

The two teams are scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday to continue the series.

Up Next: Quinnipiac faces Old Dominion in a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 14. Old Dominion hosts Quinnipiac for two games on Saturday, Feb. 14.