LAKE WALES, Fla. – Warner University Softball battled Saturday at Daly Field, splitting a doubleheader with Thomas University in a 1–1 series decision. The Lady Royals claimed a decisive 7–3 victory in Game 1 before falling in a tightly contested 4–3 matchup in Game 2. With the split, Warner continues to showcase resilience early in the 2026 campaign.

Game 1 | Warner 7, Thomas 3

Warner struck first in the bottom of the third inning when Diana Martin reached on an error by the shortstop, allowing Abby Faircloth to score and give the Royals a 1–0 advantage.

Thomas answered in the top of the fourth with an RBI single to center field, evening the score at 1–1. The tie held through the fifth before the Nighthawks used an RBI single and a sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth to take a 3–1 lead.

The Royals, however, delivered their most explosive inning of the day in the bottom half of the sixth — completely flipping the script.

Meagan Bruns ignited the rally with an RBI single to score Alisha Wagoner (3–2). Moments later, Jaylin Pinedo tied the game with an RBI single that plated Autumn Calcagno (3–3).

With momentum surging, Faircloth stepped to the plate and delivered the decisive blow — a three-RBI double that cleared the bases and brought home Hannah Wilen, Bruns, and Lauren Fernald, giving Warner a commanding 6–3 lead. To cap the inning, Martin added an RBI single to score Faircloth, sealing the 7–3 comeback victory.

In the circle, Elle Hernandez earned her third collegiate win, controlling the game and holding Thomas scoreless after the sixth-inning surge.

Game 2 | Thomas 4, Warner 3

Game 2 opened with Thomas applying early pressure, scoring on a two-RBI double in the top of the first inning to jump ahead 2–0.

The Royals answered in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run rally of their own. Bruns, Pinedo, and Faircloth each recorded RBI singles, giving Warner a 3–2 advantage and shifting momentum back to the home dugout.

Thomas, however, responded in the late innings with RBI singles in both the fifth and sixth frames, reclaiming the lead and holding off the Royals to secure a 4–3 win and split the series.

Warner's offensive depth and ability to produce timely hits were on full display throughout the afternoon, highlighted by the six-run sixth inning in Game 1. The Lady Royals continue to demonstrate grit and composure in pressure moments as the 2026 season rolls forward.

Warner will now regroup and prepare for its next matchup as the season continues heading into early SUN Conference play. The Royals will travel to Miami Gardens, FL to face the defending conference tournament champions, St. Thomas University, February 27th and 28th.