HILO, Hawaii -- In the Urban Knights first game on the big island, Academy of Art threatened late on a senior catcher Zak May two run home run, but a big first inning by the Vulcans proved to be the difference Thursday night at Wong Stadium. ART U played well on both sides of the ball, not committing a single error and matching UH Hilo's hit total. Senior outfielder Thomas Delgadillo went 3-5 for his ninth multi-hit game and third three-hit game.

The Vulcans struck early with five runs in the bottom half of the first on a pair of singles and a three run home run. The Urban Knights put up their first runs in the next half inning when senior utility Angel Mora scored on an error by the first baseman. Mora struck again in the fifth with a two run single into center, scoring junior outfielder Alex Golembiewski and Delgadillo, who both hit singles, and bringing the Knights within two.

UHH came back in the bottom half of the inning with one run to take a 6-3 lead. After the Vulcans put up another two runs in the sixth, ART U got one back in the eighth on a junior utility Daniel Curiel ground ball to short to score junior third baseman Fabian Barcena. With three outs to work with the Urban Knights trailed by four but May launched his third home run of the season to bring ART U within striking distance down 6-8 after the two run shot that scored junior shortstop Justin Summers. But, a pair of strikeouts cut the comeback short and the Vulcans went on to take game one 8-6.

With the loss Academy of Art is now 12-11 overall and 4-8 in conference. Academy of Art will be back at Wong Stadium tomorrow at 9 p.m. PT for game two.