LANCASTER, PA- The Highlanders opened up conference play against the University of Valley Forge Thursday night. The Highlanders bats caught fire as they notched 20 hits and defeated the Patriots 18-4.
 
Cairn set the tone in the first by batting around and taking a commanding 6-0 lead. Daniel Morales started the rally with a walk and steal of second base, Brett Marks, Emilio Alvarez, and Nate Wilson each doubled, and Mike Sorowice and Andrew Philips each picked up RBI singles. The Highlanders tallied another 4 runs in the top of the 5^th. Sorowice tripled, Philips singled him home, Josh Melchior and Daniel Morales singled, and Alvarez smashed his second double of the day to score Melchior.
 
Emilio Alvarez picked up the win with 5 innings pitched and 6 strikeouts, Eric Stingled pitched a hitless inning, Matt Meyers pitched 2 innings, allowing only 1 hit, and Christian Davis finished the game. In addition to the win, Alvarez went 3-4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs, while Michael Sorowice went 4-5 with 2 triples.
 
The Highlanders will host the Patriots Saturday afternoon in search of two more CSAC victories. First pitch is slated for 12:00 PM.