WINTER HAVEN, Fla.-The Gannon baseball team opened their 2009 season Friday, dropping a 9-8 decision to Davenport (Mich.) University. Senior Eric Harpster (Erie, Pa./McDowell) led the Golden Knights with three hits and three runs batted in. 

GU took an early lead, going up 1-0 after the first inning. The Panthers bounced back with runs in each of the next three frames, though, and led 6-2 after four. The Knights put together a ninth-inning rally, scoring five runs to get within one, but they fell just short. Gannon compiled 11 hits, including a 3-4 day by Harpster, one of the Knights' top returners from 2008. He tripled, drove in three runs, stole two bases, and scored a run. 

Greg Radwan (Farnham, N.Y./St. Francis) took the loss, going four innings, allowing six runs on five hits and five walks. Drew Rojek (Lake View, N.Y./Frontier) threw three innings in relief, allowing two unearned runs while striking out four hitters. 

Gannon returns to action Saturday, February 28, with two games. They will face Saint Anselm College at 11 a.m. and then take on Nebraska-Omaha at 2:30 p.m. 

Stats from Friday's game will be available at the end of the team's Florida trip on gannonsports.com.