DAHLONEGA - The University of North Georgia baseball team took a 5-4 lead into the eighth inning, but could a late offensive surge by Mars Hill resulted in a 14-7 loss in the series finale on Sunday at Bob Stein Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park.
 
Freshman Andrew Cedano (0-1) came out of the bullpen for North Georgia (2-1) and took the loss. Sophomore Cameron Mobley was a bright spot for the Nighthawks, starting the ballgame and throwing five innings, giving up two runs, all earned, on four hits, with two walks and three strikeouts.
 
Sophomore Luke Starling led the way offensively for the Nighthawks, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run, a walk and two RBI. Sophomore Brady Skipper provided a standout day at the plate as well, going 2-for-5 with two RBI. Sophomore Phillip Ard also chipped in, going 1-for-4 for North Georgia with a walk and an RBI.
 
The Nighthawks got on the board immediately, starting their scoring three runs in the first frame, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Skipper.
 
The Lions then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 3-1 until the Nighthawks expanded their advantage in the fourth. Sophomore Andrews Opata came across to score the lone run of the inning for North Georgia, which brought the score to 4-1 in favor of the Nighthawks.
 
Mars Hill narrowed North Georgia's lead to 4-2 before the Nighthawks stretched the advantage to 5-2 in the fifth inning. The Nighthawks scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Ard.
 
The Nighthawks carried a 5-4 lead into the eighth but the Mountain Lions exploded for four runs in the top half before tacking on six more in the top of the ninth fueled by a grand slam by Tai Gilbert.
 
Mars Hill (1-2) was led offensively by Gilbert, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBI.
 
North Georgia returns to action on Friday, Feb. 9 when the Nighthawks open a three-game set against Salem.