May 14, at Ohio Dominican College
MVNC, the second seed, came up just short as the Cougars fell 8-7 in ten innings to top-seeded Ohio Dominican in the championship game of the NAIA Region IX Tournament as the team finished the year with a 38-11 overall record. Jon Barchus (3-2) suffered the loss for MVNC as he allowed four hits, one walk, and three runs over 1 2/3 innings with one strikeout. Adam Rowe started and worked seven strong innings as he scattered nine hits, three walks, and three runs with six strikeouts. Chris Holly also tossed one inning of relief and gave up one hit, one walk, and two runs with one strikeout. Offensively, Steve Waers led the way by going 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Rowe helped his own cause with two hits. Josh Sichina also hit a two-run homer - his seventh of the season. BOXSCORE
May 11, at Ohio Dominican College
The second-seeded Cougars continued their run through the loser's bracket as MVNC handed top-seeded Ohio Dominican its first loss of the NAIA Region IX Tournament 15-7 and only its second loss at home this year. Mark Coulter (7-2) earned the victory as he scattered 14 hits, six walks, and seven runs over 8 1/3 innings with six strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg tossed the final 2/3 innings and struck out one batter. Offensively, Dan Matheney went 5-for-5 with five RBI and three runs scored. Jason Irish and Josh Sichina each added two hits. With the win, MVNC forced a second championship game against Ohio Dominican. BOXSCORE
May 11, vs. Walsh University
MVNC, the second seed, pounded out 17 hits to post a 14-3 victory over fourth-seeded Walsh to eliminate the Cavaliers in the loser's bracket championship game of the NAIA Region IX Tournament. Nick Schwartz (4-1) tossed a complete game as he scattered nine hits and three runs over nine innings with four strikeouts. Eddie Wright led the offense by going 3-for-5 with four RBI, while Josh Sichina was 3-for-4 with three RBI. Dan Matheney, Mark Coulter, Jason Irish, and Steve Waers each added two hits to the winning attack. BOXSCORE
May 10, vs. Shawnee State University
The second-seeded Cougars stayed alive in the loser's bracket of the NAIA Region IX Tournament as MVNC eliminated fifth-seeded Shawnee State 10-8 in ten innings. Jon Barchus (3-1) got the victory in relief as he tossed the final 1 2/3 innings and gave up four hits, two walks, and two runs with three strikeouts. Jason Irish started and worked 7 2/3 strong innings and scattered seven hits, two walks, and six runs with four strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg also tossed 2/3 of an inning in relief. Offensively, Scott Crawford led the way by going 3-for-3, while Mark Coulter had two hits and drove in three runs. Dan Matheney and Justin Clarey also registered two hits apiece. BOXSCORE
May 9, vs. University of Rio Grande
MVNC, the second seed, eliminated sixth-seeded Rio Grande 6-1 in the loser's bracket of the NAIA Region IX Tournament. Chris Holly (8-3) tossed a complete game to pick up the win as he allowed just seven hits, two walks, and one run over nine innings with six strikeouts. Mark Coulter led the offensive attack by going 3-for-5, while Dan Matheney, Scott Crawford, and Justin Clarey recorded two hits each. BOXSCORE
May 9, vs. Shawnee State University
After leading 4-1, the second-seeded Cougars fell 5-4 to fifth-seeded Shawnee State in the opening round of the NAIA Region IX Tournament. Jon Barchus (2-1) suffered the loss as he gave up three hits, two walks, and two runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief with one strikeout. Adam Rowe tossed the first seven innings and scattered eight hits, two walks, and three runs with seven strikeouts. Meanwhile, Scott Crawford, Justin Clarey, Jason Irish, and Eli Johnson each recorded two hits apiece. BOXSCORE
May 4, at Geneva (PA) College
MVNC won its eleventh straight game as the Cougars held on for a 5-4 victory over Geneva in the nightcap of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Nick Schwartz (3-1) earned the win as he allowed five hits, one walk, and four runs over 4 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. Jon Barchus notched his seventh save as he allowed just two hits over the final 2 1/3 innings with three strikeouts. Dan Matheney and Mark Coulter each had three hits, while Steve Waers added a double. BOXSCORE
May 4, at Geneva (PA) College
The Cougars made it ten wins in a row as MVNC outlasted Geneva 12-9 in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Jason Irish (4-2) picked up the win as he scattered nine hits, three walks, and nine runs over 5 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg recorded his second save of the year by tossing the final 1 2/3 innings. Irish, Mark Coulter, and Adam Rowe each recorded three hits apiece, while Eddie Wright and Josh Sichina finished with two hits each. BOXSCORE
May 3, at Point Park (PA) College
MVNC extended its winning streak to nine in a row as the Cougars cruised past Point Park 15-2 in the nightcap of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Mark Coulter (6-2) earned the victory as he allowed just seven hits, one walk, and two runs over five innings with three strikeouts. Jason Irish went 4-for-4 at the plate with a home run, while Scott Crawford was 3-for-3 and tied the school record with a pair of triples. Josh Sichina also added three hits, and Dan Matheney and Coulter recorded two hits apiece. BOXSCORE
May 3, at Point Park (PA) College
The Cougars won their eighth straight game as MVNC downed Point Park 9-4 in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Adam Rowe (10-0) picked up the win on the mound as he scattered eight hits, one walk, and four runs over seven innings with seven strikeouts. Meanwhile, Eddie Wright paced the offense by going 3-for-4 with three RBI, and Justin Clarey, Matt Myers, and Steve Waers finished with two hits apiece. BOXSCORE
April 27, MOUNT UNION COLLEGE
MVNC reached the 30-win plateau for the eighth time in nine years as the Cougars rallied for a 2-1 win in eight innings over Mount Union in the nightcap of a non-conference twinbill. Jason Irish drove in Steve Waers with the winning run with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning for the victory. Mark Coulter and Scott Crawford each recorded two hits to lead the winning attack. Meanwhile, Adam Rowe (9-0) earned the victory as he tossed four innings of scoreless relief with one walk and seven strikeouts. Chris Holly started and worked four innings as he gave up three hits, one walk, and one run with two strikeouts. BOXSCORE
April 27, MOUNT UNION COLLEGE
The Cougars rallied from a 2-0 deficit to post a 3-2 victory in eight innings over Mount Union in the first game of a non-conference doubleheader. Tim Martini scored the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth when Justin Clarey reached on a throwing error. Mark Coulter paced the offense by going 2-for-4 as MVNC collected just five hits in the game. Coulter (5-2) also picked up the win on the mound as he worked all eight innings and scattered seven hits, two walks, and two runs with five strikeouts. BOXSCORE
April 25, MALONE COLLEGE
MVNC pounded out 17 hits for the third straight game as the Cougars cruised to a 13-3 victory over Malone in the nightcap of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Mark Coulter led the charge by going 4-for-4 with two home runs, six RBI, and three runs scored. Justin Clarey added three hits, while Scott Crawford, Eddie Wright, and Jason Irish finished with two hits apiece. On the mound, Jon Barchus (2-0) earned the win in his first career start as he scattered six hits, one walk, and three runs over six innings with three strikeouts. BOXSCORE
April 25, MALONE COLLEGE
The Cougars rallied from a 4-2 deficit to post a 7-6 win in eight innings over Malone in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Mark Coulter's RBI-single with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning plated the winning run. Eddie Wright paced the 17-hit attack by going 4-for-4, while Coulter, Adam Rowe, and Scott Crawford each added three hits. Lew Hilgenberg (2-0) earned the win in relief as he tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Nick Schwartz started and worked 6 1/3 innings and allowed eight hits, two walks, and six runs with six strikeouts. BOXSCORE
April 23, at Saint Vincent (PA) College
MVNC pounded out 17 hits as the Cougars downed Saint Vincent 13-4 in the second game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Adam Rowe and Dan Matheney each registered three hits, while Justin Clarey went 2-for-5 and drove in four runs with a single and his ninth homer of the year. On the mound, Jason Irish (3-2) picked up the win as he scattered six hits, four walks, and four runs over seven innings with three strikeouts. BOXSCORE
April 23, at Saint Vincent (PA) College
The Cougars scored seven unanswered runs to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 7-1 victory at Saint Vincent in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Adam Rowe improved to 8-0 as he allowed just two hits, four walks, and one unearned run over seven innings with seven strikeouts to pick up the win. Meanwhile, Justin Clarey paced the offense by going 3-for-3 with three RBI and his eighth home run of the year. Jason Irish also added a pair of hits, and Josh Sichina hit his fifth homer. BOXSCORE
April 22, SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
MVNC made the most of its six hits as the Cougars downed Shawnee State 4-2 in the nightcap of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Chris Holly (7-3) earned the victory as he worked all seven innings and allowed just five hits, three walks, and two runs with five strikeouts. Offensively, Dan Matheney and Jason Irish each had two hits to lead the way. BOXSCORE
April 22, SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY
The Cougars managed just three hits as MVNC fell 11-2 to Shawnee State in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Mark Coulter (4-2) suffered the loss as he allowed nine hits and eight runs over 5 1/3 innings with six strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg tossed the final 1 2/3 innings and gave up four hits, one walk, and three runs with one strikeout. Jason Irish doubled and Coulter and Eddie Wright added one single each to account for all the team's hits. BOXSCORE
April 18, OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Down 4-0 with just four outs left, MVNC rallied to send the game into extra innings before posting a 5-4 non-conference win over NCAA Division III power Ohio Wesleyan in 10 innings. Mark Coulter was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in the winning run. Lew Hilgenberg (1-0) picked up the win with on scoreless inning of relief. Jason Irish started and worked seven innings as he allowed just four hits, three walks, and three runs with seven strikeouts. Jon Barchus allowed four hits and one unearned run over two innings with two strikeouts. Offensively, Coulter, Scott Crawford, and Adam Rowe each collected two hits apiece. BOXSCORE
April 16, at Urbana University
The Cougars used a season-high 21 hits to score their most runs so far this year with a 20-3 victory over Urbana, ranked #20 in the latest NAIA poll, in the nightcap of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Jason Irish and Adam Rowe each recorded three hits, while Dan Matheney, Scott Crawford, Mark Coulter, Justin Clarey, and Eddie Wright added two hits apiece. Josh Sichina also homered for the second straight game. Meanwhile, Chris Holly (6-3) earned the victory - the 30th of his college career - by allowing just six hits, two walks, and three unearned runs over five innings with one strikeout. BOXSCORE
April 16, at Urbana University
MVNC snapped its three-game losing streak with a 14-8 win over Urbana, ranked #20 in the latest NAIA poll, in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Adam Rowe (7-0) earned the victory as he scattered 10 hits, one walk, and eight runs (only three earned) over seven innings with eight strikeouts. Jason Irish paced the offense by going 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Justin Clarey also added three hits. Eddie Wright and Matt Myers finished with two hits apiece, and Mark Coulter and Josh Sichina each homered. BOXSCORE
April 15, OHIO DOMINICAN COLLEGE
The Cougars dropped their third straight game as Ohio Dominican pounded out 23 hits on its way to a 21-12 victory in the second game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. It was the most runs and hits given up by MVNC since May 8, 1998, against Indiana Institute of Technology. Jason Irish (2-2) took the loss as he gave up seven hits, three walks, and seven runs in two-plus innings of work. Nick Schwartz, Mike Carlisle, and Derek Morey each worked in relief and combined to allow 16 hits and 14 runs. Eddie Wright paced the offense by going 3-for-4 with four RBI and a homer, while Dan Matheney also added three hits. Irish, Scott Crawford, Mark Coulter, and Josh Sichina also recorded two hits apiece. BOXSCORE
April 15, OHIO DOMINICAN COLLEGE
Two errors in the fifth inning paved the way for four unearned runs as MVNC fell 4-3 to Ohio Dominican in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Mark Coulter (4-1) took the hard-luck loss as he gave up just six hits, one intentional walk, and four unearned runs over seven innings with five strikeouts. Offensively, Adam Rowe collected two of the Cougars' five hits, while Josh Sichina drove in two of the team's three runs. BOXSCORE
April 11, at University of Findlay
The Cougars pounded out 12 hits but stranded 13 baserunners as MVNC dropped a non-conference game at Findlay by the score of 13-4. Nick Schwartz (2-1) suffered the loss as he allowed three hits, one walk, and three runs in three innings with four strikeouts. Mike Carlisle allowed five runs in one inning, and Derek Morey gave up five runs in two innings. Lew Hilgenberg tossed a perfect inning, and Jon Barchus recorded three strikeouts in his one inning of work. Matt Myers hit a two-run home run to pace the offense, while Scott Crawford and Mark Coulter each had two hits. BOXSCORE
April 10, at Walsh University
MVNC jumped out to an early 13-0 lead in the second game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill at Walsh and never looked back in posting a 13-4 victory. Chris Holly (5-3) was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst as he picked up the win with a complete game performance. He allowed just four hits and two earned runs over seven innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Mark Coulter paced the offense by going 3-for-3, while Justin Clarey ripped a pair of doubles and drove in three runs. Eddie Wright and Josh Sichina also drove in two runs each. BOXSCORE
April 10, at Walsh University
The Cougars rallied from an early 3-1 deficit to post a 6-4 win at Walsh in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Scott Crawford's three-run homer in the top of the fifth inning put MVNC on top for good. Justin Clarey, Eddie Wright, and Steve Waers each collected two hits as part of the 11-hit attack. Meanwhile, Adam Rowe (6-0) earned the victory as he worked 6 1/3 innings and allowed eight hits, three walks, and four runs with six strikeouts. Jon Barchus notched his sixth save by inducing a game-ending double play from the only batter he faced. BOXSCORE
April 6, CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
Chris Holly came within one strike of a no-hitter for MVNC, but Cedarville rallied with two outs in the seventh inning for a 2-1 win in the second game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Holly (4-3) took the hard-luck loss as he allowed two hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. Jon Barchus also allowed two hits in 1/3 inning of work as he suffered his first blown save of the year. Jason Irish led the Cougars at the plate by going 2-for-3, while Josh Sichina drove in the team's only run in the second inning. MVNC stranded eight baserunners in the game. BOXSCORE
April 6, CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
The Cougars pounded out a season-high 17 hits on the way to an 11-1 win over Cedarville in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Justin Clarey, Josh Sichina, and Scott Crawford each homered with Clarey going 3-for-4. Jason Irish was also 3-for-4. Meanwhile, Mark Coulter (4-0) picked up the win as he allowed just five hits and one run over five innings with three strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg tossed the final inning and recorded one strikeout. BOXSCORE
April 2, TIFFIN UNIVERSITY
MVNC had its five-game winning streak snapped as Tiffin downed the Cougars 6-4 in the nightcap of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Mark Coulter went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI, while Dan Matheney and Adam Rowe added a pair of hits each. Justin Clarey also hit his team-leading sixth homer of the spring. Chris Holly (4-2) suffered the loss as he allowed seven hits, two walks, four hit batsmen, and six runs over 6 2/3 innings. Jon Barchus recorded the final out in the top of the seventh. BOXSCORE
April 2, TIFFIN UNIVERSITY
The Cougars out-slugged Tiffin 12-9 in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Eddie Wright went 3-for-4 with four RBI and two home runs, while Justin Clarey was 3-for-4 with three RBI and a home run. Mark Coulter also went 3-for-3, and Steve Waers homered as part of a 2-for-2 performance. Adam Rowe (5-0) scattered nine hits, one walk, and nine runs over five innings to record the win with seven strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg tossed the final two innings and allowed one hit with two strikeouts to notch his first save. BOXSCORE
March 30, vs. Olivet Nazarene (IL) University
MVNC closed out its annual spring trip with a 10-7 win over Olivet Nazarene in a nine-inning game at the Gene Cusic Classic. Chris Holly (4-1) picked up the win in relief as he tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed just two walks. Adam Rowe started and worked 4 2/3 innings and allowed seven hits, two walks, and five runs with two strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg gave up two hits and one run with two strikeouts in two innings of work, and Jon Barchus tossed the final inning and gave up one hit, one walk, and one run with two strikeouts. Offensively, Justin Clarey went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI, while Dan Matheney also recorded three hits. Jason Irish and Scott Crawford each added a pair of hits to the winning attack. BOXSCORE
March 29, vs. Thomas (ME) College
The Cougars won their third straight game with a 7-1 victory over Thomas in the second game of a twinbill at the Gene Cusic Classic. Jason Irish (2-1) picked up the win as he scattered seven hits and one run over seven innings with eight strikeouts. Ty Dendinger paced the offense by going 3-for-3, while Josh Sichina added two hits and two runs batted in. Tim Martini tied a school record with four stolen bases in the game, and Justin Clarey and Steve Waers each had a double. BOXSCORE
March 29, vs. Thomas (ME) College
MVNC pounded out 14 singles as the Cougars needed just five innings to down Thomas 13-1 in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. Mark Coulter (3-0) allowed just two hits and one run over five innings to pick up the win while striking out seven batters. Meanwhile, Justin Clarey and Josh Sichina compiled three hits apiece, and Coulter and Jason Irish each added a pair of hits with Coulter helping his cause with three runs batted in. BOXSCORE
March 28, vs. Mount Mercy (IA) College
The Cougars returned to their winning ways with a 4-2 come-from-behind win over Mount Mercy in the nightcap of a twinbill at the Gene Cusic Classic. Nick Schwartz (2-0) earned the victory as he allowed just three hits, one walk, and two runs over five innings with five strikeouts. Jon Barchus notched his fifth save by working the final two innings and giving up just one walk while striking out five batters. Mark Coulter led the offensive attack by going 3-for-3, while Scott Crawford added a pair of hits. BOXSCORE
March 28, vs. Mount Mercy (IA) College
MVNC had its winning streak come to an end as the Cougars fell 8-6 to Mount Mercy in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. Mike Carlisle (1-1) suffered the loss as he gave up six hits, two walks, and seven runs in two-plus innings. Derek Morey tossed the final four innings and allowed just four hits, three walks, and one run with two strikeouts. Meanwhile, Justin Clarey single-handedly tried to bring the team back by going 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and five runs batted in. Jason Irish and Steve Waers each added two hits. BOXSCORE
March 26, vs. Nyack (NY) College
The Cougars made it six consecutive wins as MVNC came from behind and held on for a 4-3 win over Nyack in the second game of a twinbill at the Gene Cusic Classic. Josh Sichina went 2-for-3 with his first home run of the year, while Mark Coulter also added a pair of hits. Chris Holly (3-1) picked up the victory as he allowed just seven hits, two walks, and three runs with a season-high eight strikeouts. Jon Barchus came on to face the final batter and recorded an out to earn his fourth save of the year. BOXSCORE
March 26, vs. Nyack (NY) College
MVNC won its fifth straight game with a 6-2 victory over Nyack in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. The Cougars were led by Mark Coulter, who went 2-for-3 with four runs batted in and a home run. Scott Crawford, Josh Sichina, and Dan Matheney each added two hits, and Jason Irish ripped a homer. Meanwhile, Adam Rowe (4-0) picked up the win as he allowed just five hits, four walks, and two runs over six innings. Jon Barchus worked the final inning and struck out two batters. BOXSCORE
March 25, vs. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The Cougars extended their winning streak to four straight with another 6-3 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the second game of a twinbill at the Gene Cusic Classic. Steve Waers collected two of the team's three hits, while Mark Coutler's two-run double highlighted a five-run fourth inning. Jason Irish (1-1) earned the victory by tossing 5 2/3 innings and scattering six hits, four walks, and three runs with five strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg worked 1/3 of an inning and gave up one hit and one walk, while Jon Barchus pitched one perfect inning with two strikeouts to notch his third save. BOXSCORE
March 25, vs. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
MVNC rallied from a 3-1 deficit to post a 6-3 win over the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. Scott Crawford and Eddie Wright each went 3-for-4, while Justin Clarey, Mark Coulter, and Jason Irish added two hits apiece. On the mound, Coulter (2-0) notched the win by working all seven innings and allowing seven hits, one walk, and three runs with one strikeout. BOXSCORE
March 23, vs. Augsburg (MN) College
The Cougars had their biggest offensive outburst of the season as MVNC pounded Augsburg 15-3 at the Gene Cusic Classic. Eddie Wright went 2-for-2 and 13 different players recorded at least one hit. Eleven different players scored at least one run, and nine different players drove in at least one run with Aaron Jones recording three runs batted in. Nick Schwartz (1-0) earned the victory with six strong innings in which he allowed just five hits, one walk, and three runs with three strikeouts. Derek Morey worked the final inning and allowed just one hit. BOXSCORE
March 23, vs. Ripon (WI) College
MVNC scored a run in the top of the ninth inning and held on for a 3-2 victory over Ripon at the Gene Cusic Classic. Adam Rowe and Eddie Wright each went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Dan Matheney hit his first home run of the season to go along with a single. Mark Coulter also added two hits. Meanwhile, Mike Carlisle started and worked 5 2/3 innings and allowed just four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Jon Barchus (1-0) notched the win in relief as he tossed two scoreless innings with two walks and two strikeouts. BOXSCORE
March 22, vs. University of Missouri-St. Louis
The Cougars dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, ranked 15th in NCAA Division II, in the second game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. MVNC managed just seven hits in the game with Dan Matheney collecting two of them. Chris Holly (2-1) suffered the loss as he allowed seven hits, one walk, and three runs in six innings with four strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg tossed the final inning and allowed one walk. BOXSCORE
March 22, vs. University of Missouri-St. Louis
MVNC posted a 4-2 victory over the University of Missouri-St. Louis, ranked 15th in NCAA Division II, in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. Adam Rowe (3-0) earned the victory by tossing a complete game and allowing just five hits, three walks, and two earned runs over seven innings. He also struck out four batters. Scott Crawford went 4-for-4 with two runs scored, while Justin Clarey was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Steve Waers also added a single and a triple. BOXSCORE
March 21, vs. MidAmerica Nazarene (KS) University
The Cougars suffered their first loss of the season as MVNC dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision to MidAmerica Nazarene in the second game of a twinbill at the Gene Cusic Classic. Justin Clarey paced the offense with two doubles in four at bats, while Eli Johnson was 2-for-3. On the mound, Jason Irish (0-1) suffered the loss as he allowed four hits, five walks, and three runs over 4 2/3 innings. Mike Carlisle tossed 1/3 of an inning, and Lew Hilgenberg closed out the game with a perfect inning that included a strikeout. BOXSCORE
March 21, vs. MidAmerica Nazarene (KS) University
MVNC extended its winning streak to five straight to start the year as the Cougars posted a 3-2 win over MidAmerica Nazarene in the first game of a doubleheader at the Gene Cusic Classic. Mark Coulter (1-0) picked up the win in his first outing of the year as he went 5 2/3 innings and allowed just two hits, two runs, and one walk with seven strikeouts. He also drove in one run with a double. Scott Crawford drove in the team's other two runs with a single in the fifth inning. Jon Barchus notched his second save as he worked 1 1/3 perfect innings with one strikeout. BOXSCORE
March 18, UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE
The Cougars remained unbeaten on the season as MVNC posted a 5-3 victory over Rio Grande in the second game of an American Mideast Conference twinbill. Chris Holly improved to 2-0 as he scattered eight hits, one walk, and three runs over 5 1/3 innings with two strikeouts. Jon Barchus worked the final 1 2/3 innings and recorded his first save of the year by allowing just one hit and striking out two batters. Dan Matheney led the offense by going 3-for-4 with two runs batted in, and Adam Rowe was 2-for-3. Josh Sichina also drove in two runs with a double. BOXSCORE
March 18, UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE
MVNC opened up conference play with its third straight shutout as the Cougars blanked Rio Grande 4-0 in the first game of an American Mideast Conference doubleheader. Adam Rowe (2-0) earned the complete game victory as he tossed a two-hit shutout with four walks and six strikeouts. Justin Clarey paced the offense by going 3-for-3 with three runs batted in. Dan Matheney added two hits and two runs scored, and Josh Sichina had an RBI-double. BOXSCORE
March 12, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWARK
The Cougars completed a non-conference doubleheader sweep by blanking Ohio State-Newark 2-0 in the nightcap. Chris Holly (1-0) pitched the complete game shutout in his MVNC debut as he allowed just two hits and two walks over seven innings while striking out six batters. Justin Clarey collected two of the Cougars' four hits in the game, and his two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning was the difference in the game. Eddie Wright and Adam Rowe also registered one single apiece. BOXSCORE
March 12, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWARK
MVNC opened the season with a 7-0 non-conference win over Ohio State-Newark in the first game of a twinbill. Adam Rowe (1-0) earned the victory as he allowed just three hits over six innings with two walks and seven strikeouts. Lew Hilgenberg closed out the shutout by allowing one hit and two walks in the final inning to go with two strikeouts. Offensively, Josh Sichina paced the Cougars by going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two runs batted in. Mark Coulter also drove in two runs with a double, and Justin Clarey added a triple. BOXSCORE