Cress delivered a standout performance to power Kent State University–Tuscarawas to a 10–6 win over Thiel College on March 20. Driving in four runs, Cress came through in key moments with a two-run double in the third inning and a two-run home run in the sixth, helping swing momentum back in Tuscarawas' favor.

Tuscarawas struck first in the second inning when Lovelace tripled to bring in a run. After an error allowed Thiel to tie the game in the third, Tuscarawas responded with a four-run inning to take a 5–1 lead, highlighted by Cress's double and an RBI single from Spillman.

Thiel answered with a big fourth inning, scoring five runs to take a 6–5 lead. However, Tuscarawas regained control in the sixth, capitalizing on timely hitting and another costly error to plate five runs and secure the victory.

Reyes started in the circle for Tuscarawas, allowing six runs (none earned) over 3.2 innings. Lemmel was strong in relief, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings to shut down Thiel's offense and earn the win.

Cress and Lillis led Tuscarawas with two hits each, while the team also turned a double play defensively. For Thiel, Risser drove in two runs, and the team showed patience at the plate with seven walks, though it wasn't enough to overcome Tuscarawas' late surge.