FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The Norwich baseball team opened its 2026 campaign Saturday afternoon, falling to Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Misericordia to begin its Spring Break trip in Florida.

The Cadets struck first in the opener against Massachusetts Maritime, breaking a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning. Isaac Maldonado (Miami, Fla.) and Geffen Franus (Leesburg, Va.) delivered back-to-back two-out singles to spark the rally before Michael Sabasteanski (Ashburn, Va.) lined an RBI single to center field to bring home Maldonado and give Norwich a 1-0 advantage.

Franus and Sabasteanski each swiped a base as part of the Cadets' offensive effort, while Dominic Dumont (North Berwick, Maine) led the way at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance.

Massachusetts Maritime answered in the bottom of the fifth inning, tying the game with an RBI single before taking the lead moments later on a two-run home run. The game was called after the inning due to inclement weather.

On the mound, Carson Rath (Glens Falls, N.Y.) turned in a strong season debut, striking out five batters across five innings of work.

In the second contest of the day, Misericordia seized momentum early and never relinquished it, pulling away for a 5-0 victory.

Norwich threatened in the third inning when Kyle Tanis (Shelburne, Vt.) opened the frame with a double, but the Cadets were unable to capitalize.

Blaine Butler (Copperas Cove, Texas) and Griffin Vincent (Westminster, Md.) combined for a solid relief effort, keeping the Cougars from adding to their lead out of the bullpen.

Norwich returns to action Sunday afternoon with a twin bill against Susquehanna beginning at 12 p.m. in Vero Beach.