BABSON PARK, Fla. – The season opener did not go as hoped for the Royals as they fell to NAIA No. 16 Webber International 6-8.
 
The Royals kicked off their season on the road in Babson Park, Fla. against a tough Webber International University Warriors team.
 
Warner's offense did not disappoint as they got things started with a Rio Russell single to left center that scored Tad Stockowski. Later in the top of the 3^rd inning, Scott Fickas connected with a deep fly ball to center for a sacrifice fly that scored Taylor Briggs. The Royals jumped out to a 2-0 lead.
 
The Royals fired up again in the bottom of the 4^th when Rio Russell tripled to deep right center field with bases loaded and vaulted Warner out to a 5-0 lead.
 
The bottom of the 5^th did not end well for a Royals defense that surrendered 5 errors. The Warriors used the momentum from the 5 errors to plate 6 runs and take a 6-5 lead over the Royals.
 
Erich Jaquez tied things up in the top of the 7^th with a double to right center field that scored Scott Fickas.
 
A Webber International 2-run shot in the bottom of the 7^th then a scoreless 8^th and 9^th gave the No. 16 Warriors a season opening victory over the Royals.
 
Warner hit five extra base hits with four doubles and a triple. They performed well for their starting pitcher Jarrett Joyner who threw 4 innings and only surrendered 2 hits while striking out 4.
 
The Royals and Warriors will matchup again in a doubleheader tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. at Warner University. Tomorrow's games can be viewed on the Royal Sports Network.