DAHLONEGA, Ga. – A ninth inning rally came up just short as the No. 27 University of North Georgia baseball team suffered its first loss of the season, 9-7, to visiting Nova Southeastern on Sunday afternoon at Bob Stein Stadium. Despite the loss, the Nighthawks were able to claim the series from the nation's top-ranked team and defending National Champions.

The Sharks got on the board first on Sunday afternoon following a solo-home run. As they have done all weekend, the Nighthawks quickly responded with a three-spot on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first, thanks to a three-run home run by Michael Gouge.

Nova Southeastern (6-2) trimmed the lead to a single run in the top of the third with a RBI double and went on to take a 4-3 lead an inning later thanks to a two-run homer.

The seventh inning saw NSU push the lead to 7-3 on three hits, but North Georgia claimed one back in the bottom of the frame on a sacrifice fly by Steven Tomlinson.

Trailing 9-6 heading into their final at-bat, the Nighthawks mounted a late charge.  After a RBI-double by Devin Gearhart, the Nighthawks loaded the bases putting the tying run in scoring position and the winning run at first, but were unable to break through for the equalizer.

NOTES
- After averaging over 12 hits per game in the series' first two games, the Nighthawk bats were held in check with just seven hits with two hits coming in both the first and ninth innings.

- Steven Tomlinson was the lone Nighthawk to record multiple hits with a 2-for-3 day that included a RBI. Michael Gouge finished 1-for-4 with three RBI's and a run scored.

- Daniel McCrary was tagged with the loss on the mound for North Georgia.

- Four different Sharks hit homeruns on the day.

- NSU's Joe DiBenedetto earned the win tossing eight innings of work scattering five hits while striking out three. The win is his second of the season.

NEXT
North Georgia (6-1) opens another three-game set at home on Friday, Feb. 17 when Lynn (Fla.) comes to Dahlonega for a 4:00 p.m. first pitch.