AUBURNDALE – The first 4 1/2 and the last four innings couldn't have gone much differently for Polk State Baseball in Friday's season opener at the Florida JUCO Early Bird Kickoff. The Eagles let a six-run lead slip away in a 13-6 loss to Chipola College on Friday afternoon.

For four innings, Kustarr Webb's solo blast in the second inning served as all the offense. On the mound, the Eagles (0-1) were led by starter Carson Montsdeoca, who shined in his Polk State debut. Montsdeoca allowed just a hit and two walks in four shutout innings while fanning three.

Polk State scored five runs in the top of the fifth to push the lead to 6-0. After Marvin Montenegro drew a bases-loaded walk to double the lead, Hayden Testerman came through with an RBI single. Last season's leader in the category, Zach Lester picked up his first RBI of 2026 when he was hit with the bases loaded. Webb capped the big inning with a two-run single.

With Montsdeoca done for the day, however, Chipola figured out the Polk State bullpen. The Indians got to Jason Sawyer for four runs in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run double from Colin Guerra highlighting the frame.

Chipola took the lead with nine runs in the bottom of the eighth, but the first two were unearned. After an error allowed Chipola to tie the game, Jeremiah Gray and Cade Wilkerson followed with back-to-back RBI doubles to put the Indians ahead for good. Following an infield single pushed the lead to 9-6, Garrett Harper's three-run home run put the contest out of reach.

Despite the disappointing finish, Polk State swung the bats well, finishing with nine hits. Testerman finished 4-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Webb had three RBIs. He and Kenay Acevedo each had two hits and a run scored.

It wasn't the start that Polk State had hoped for, but the Eagles will have a chance to put it behind them quickly. Polk State concludes its stay in Auburndale on Saturday with contests against South Florida State College and Montgomery College.