THOMASVILLE — Power hitting and power pitching.

That’s what guided the Thomas University Lady Night Hawks to the NAIA title last season.

That’s what carried them to a 9-1 victory over Brewton Parker in the season opener Thursday afternoon.

TU pounded Brewton Parker with a pair of solo home runs by Stacey Ward and Yuruby Alicart. Both came in the bottom of the third inning after TU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Sarah Tutchenor belted an RBI single to left field.

The Lady Night Hawks’ big inning came in the fourth inning, thanks to a pair of wild pitches, an RBI ground out and RBI double by Mary Belle Riera.

After Brewton Parker scored its only run of the game off reliever Brianne Saneshuma in the top of the sixth inning, TU responded with a pair of runs, started by Alicart. She belted an RBI double off the top of the fence and advanced to third on the throw home.

After Jackie Bates walked, Victoria Masters ended the game with a sharp RBI single, scoring Alicart.

TU got a strong pitching performance from starter Cathy Andrijaszyn. She pitched five scoreless innings to pick up her first victory.

TU returns to the field today when it welcomes in Warner Southern. The doubleheader will start at 2 p.m.