GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — Northern Illinois opened its season with a commanding 10-2 victory over North Carolina A&T on Friday, defying pregame projections.

The Huskies, now 1-0, scored in five different innings, capitalizing on early opportunities. A four-run fourth inning broke the game open, highlighted by a three-run triple. Charlie drove in three runs for Northern Illinois, which finished with seven hits.

The Aggies, who fell to 0-1, managed just five hits. Boaz Harper delivered an RBI single in the fourth, and Bradshaw hit a solo home run in the eighth for North Carolina A&T’s runs. The Huskies’ pitching staff limited damage despite the Aggies entering the game with a 57 percent probability to win, according to Interstat’s ELO system.

The teams continue their series Saturday.