The Purdue North Central baseball team will host their second annual Old-timers baseball game at Hicks Field on the south side of campus on Saturday, September 16th at 11am.

Last year the current Panthers beat the Old-Timers 4-3 in the first-ever match-up held on Oct. 8th.

The event will encumber an entire weekend of activities as the Athletic Department golf outing will take place on Friday, September 15 th at 11a.m. at The Course at Aberdeen in Valparaiso , IN.

Several former players are expected back to lead the Old-Timers, who once again are expected to be managed by former long-time skipper and PNC Hall of Famer, Larry Blake.

Pre-game activities will have the current Panthers taking batting practice from 9am to 9:40 with the alumni following from 9:40 to 10:20. The varsity will take their pre-game infield from 10:30 to 10:40 and the alumni will follow from 10:40 to 10:50.

The current Panthers start practice on August 28 th after finishing the 2006 season with a record of 32-20. The Panthers also qualified for the NAIA National Tournament and set the single season school wins mark.

A cookout will follow the game with food and beverages provided by the PNC baseball program.

Please RSVP for the Old-Timers game to Coach John Weber at 219-785-5273 or jweber@pnc.edu . Coach Weber can also be reached if you are interested in playing or being a sponsor in the golf outing.

The Purdue North Central baseball team finished the season ranked fifth in the final Region VII rankings released by the NAIA. The Panthers, who were ranked several times throughout the year, reaching a high of third, finished 32-20 overall.

The 32 wins set a new single season wins mark for the Panthers, demolishing the previous record of 22 set in 2004. The Panthers also earned just their second NAIA tournament bid, after winning the CCAC Tournament by winning three straight.

The ranking is just the sixth time the Panthers have ever been ranked. Five of the rankings have come this year. Only the top teams are ranked from each of the 14 regions throughout the country.

The final rankings as of May 15 th are:

1. St. Xavier , IL (31-24)
2. St. Francis , IL (32-26)
3. William Penn , IA (32-16)
4. Grand View, IA (30-23)
5. Purdue North Central (32-20)
6. Iowa Wesleyan (26-26)

The Purdue North Central baseball team concluded their season Friday with an 8-1 loss to Grand View College (IA) Friday afternoon at the Region VII playoffs in Joliet , IL . The Panthers finished with an impressive 32-20 mark after finishing 18-23-1 last season. Grand View improved to 29-22 and will play tomorrow at 1 p.m. against an opponent to be announced.

PNC set the tone when they failed to score in the first inning when they had the bases loaded and nobody out. Grand view took advantage and scored three unearned runs in the first inning to jump out to a 3-0 lead.

Grand View added three more runs in the fifth inning and two more in the eighth, while PNC could muster just one run in the sixth inning.

The two errors the Panthers committed proved costly as only two of the eight runs Grand View scored were earned. Offensively, PNC limited their scoring opportunities by managing just six hits and striking out seven times.

Junior third baseman Tony Popov (Center Grove HS / Parkland CC / Greenwood , IN ) and sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske (LaPorte HS / LaPorte , IN ) both had two hits for PNC, with Popov having the lone extra base hit for the Panthers (a double). Junior second baseman Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) added an RBI single and a walk for PNC.

Senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) took the loss despite pitching seven strong innings. Reid gave up six unearned runs on just six hits while striking out two as his record moved to 6-3.

Today's baseball game verses Grand View College (IA) in the Region VII Tournament has been changed to Friday at 11 a.m. due to heavy rains.

The location has also changed as the Panthers will now play at Silver Cross Stadium in Joliet instead of Gillespie Field, as originally scheduled.

If the Panthers win they will play on Saturday at a time to be determined. The Panthers lost to William Penn College (IA) 8-2 in the first round of the double-elimination tournament on Wednesday.

The PNC baseball team lost 8-2 to William Penn College (IA) Wednesday afternoon in the first round of the Region VII Tournament in Joliet , IL .

The Panthers will now face Grand View College (IA) on Friday at 11 a.m. in the second round of the double-elimination tournament. The game was originally scheduled for Thursday but heavy rains pushed all games back one day.

The Panthers struggled early-on verses William Penn and fell behind 8-1 after four innings of play. Penn was able to take advantage of two errors, some wild pitching and two offensive miscues by the Panther offense to set the tone for the game.

PNC jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning but missed an opportunity to score more runs. Junior Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) led off the game with a single. Sophomore Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) reached on a fielder's choice when he failed to advance Popov on a sacrifice bunt attempt. After junior Steve Georgion ( Valparaiso , IN / Boone Grove HS) struck out, senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA ) ripped a double to right field to score Mrozinske from first base. Junior Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) then reached on an infield single before sophomore Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) ended the inning by grounding out.

William Penn tied the game in the bottom of the first on a throwing error by shortstop Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ).

Hudson cost the Panthers again just moments later by getting picked off first base after leading the inning off the second inning with a single.

William Penn responded by scoring four runs in the second inning, two more in the third and their final run in the fourth inning.

The Panthers only other run came in the ninth inning when Georgion laced a triple and scored on Reid's sacrifice fly to make it 8-2.

Overall, the Panthers pounded out six hits, with Georgion the only one to collect two. Reid had both RBI's and Reid and Georgion had the only extra base hits of the game for PNC.

William Penn had 11 singles and one double but took advantage of the errors and three additional walks by senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN / Boone Grove HS). Losinski fell to 4-6 and allowed eight runs (six earned) on nine hits while striking out two.

Senior Tony Robb ( Portage , IN / Portage HS) pitched five scoreless innings of relief, allowing just three singles while striking out four.

Sophomore catcher Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) was named Honorable Mention All-American following the Region VII meeting Tuesday night in Joliet .

Stocker was named First Team All-Region by the selection committee (the coaches whose teams' qualified for the Regional) and therefore, automatically becomes an HM All-American. Stocker began the process by being named First Team All-Conference, and still has a limited chance to reach higher All-American status.

Stocker ended the season with a .326 average (44 for 135) and collected four home runs, 29 RBI's, 12 doubles, and 17 walks. The young catcher struck out just 16 times and was hit by a pitch seven times. Stocker played in 49 of the Panther's 52 games and started 48 of them.

"We're all very pleased for Chris," said head coach John Weber. "He deserved this honor as he worked hard to improve his game. The hard work paid dividends as he was significantly better than last year, especially as a receiver and as a leader."

"I believe Chris has only tapped into his potential both on and off the field and can keep improving," added Weber.

Stocker is believed to be just the second member of the young Panther baseball program to receive All-American status. Former first baseman, Gary Ray, received the same honor in 2004.

The Region VII pairings were announced late Monday night with the PNC Panthers taking the fifth seed overall in the tournament. The Panthers will play the number two seed, William Penn at 3 p.m. in Joliet at Silver Cross Field, home of the Joliet Jackhammers, an independent minor league team.

Top seeded St. Xavier (IL) will take on number six seed Grand View College (IA) at 11 a.m. Number three St. Francis will take on Iowa Wesleyan (#4 seed) at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

If the Panthers win they will play at 7 p.m. on Thursday verses the winner of the St. Francis game. If PNC loses they will play at 11 a.m. Thursday verses the loser of the St. Xavier game.

For more tournament information, please check the University of St. Francis athletic webpage.

The Purdue North Central baseball team has moved up to fourth in the most recent Region VII, NAIA rankings. The Panthers haven't been ranked since the April 17 th poll, but moved back in after their impressive showing in the CCAC Tournament.

PNC swept through the double elimination CCAC Tournament by winning three straight, despite being the third seed.

The ranking equals the second highest ever for the PNC program (third earlier this year was the highest) and just the fifth time the Panthers have ever been ranked. Four of the rankings have come this year. Only the top teams are ranked from each of the 14 regions throughout the country.

The Panthers are currently 32-18 overall and finished 11-9 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The ratings as of May 8 th are:

1. William Penn , IA (30-14)
2. St. Xavier , IL (25-24)
3. St. Francis , IL (29-22)
4. Purdue North Central (31-18)
5. Iowa Wesleyan (26-23)

The Panthers play again on Wednesday when they open up the Region VII Tournament in Joliet , IL against an opponent to be announced.

The Panthers of Purdue University North Central used another stunning rally to defeat Robert Morris College 8-7 Friday afternoon in the championship game of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament held at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais , IL. The win gives the Panthers an automatic birth into the NAIA regional tournament that will start Wednesday in Joliet , IL .

PNC trailed 7-5 entering the bottom of the ninth and already had one out before freshman Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) reached on an error by the shortstop. Junior third baseman Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) hit what appeared to be a game-ending double play to shortstop, but Robert Morris was unable to complete the turn and got just one out instead.

With two outs and Popov at first, things still looked bleak for the Panthers. But sophomore Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) laced a double to left field to put runners at second and third for PNC. Robert Morris intentionally walked junior first baseman Steve Georgion ( Valparaiso , IN / Boone Grove HS) to load the bases for senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC). Reid laced a double to right field to score Popov and Mrozinske to tie the game, bringing up junior second baseman Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ). Pierce ripped a single up the middle to score Georgion and clinch the championship for the Panthers.

Both teams played solid baseball and responded numerous times to the other's challenges. Robert Morris scored one in the second inning before PNC took the lead with two runs in the fourth inning. The Eagles tied it in the top of the fifth before the Panthers took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the inning. Both teams scored two runs each in the seventh to make it 5-4 PNC. But Robert Morris scored one in the eight and two in the ninth to take a 7-5 lead and set up the incredible Panther finish.

It was the second game in a row PNC had defeated the Eagles on improbable finishes. Yesterday, Robert Morris took a 15-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning before the Panthers rallied to win 17-16 in 10 innings. It was the biggest comeback in the history of the PNC baseball program.

Overall, the Panthers managed just eight hits compared to 13 for the Eagles. This time, Reid was the only Panther to have multiple hits, adding a run scoring single in the fourth inning to his clutch two-run double in the ninth inning for a total of three RBI's. Popov had a single and two RBI's and Georgion contributed a run-scoring triple. Besides Pierce's game-winning hit, Dickerson had the other Panther RBI on a single in the fifth inning.

On the mound, sophomore Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN / Chesterton HS) picked up his second win of the tournament verses Robert Morris to move his record to 4-1. Albano didn't give up a run while giving up two hits and recording two outs in the ninth inning. Reid pitched 8.1 innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits and four walks while striking out two.

The Panthers are now 32-18 overall and have shattered the school wins mark (22 in 2004), while earning just their second NAIA Tournament appearance (2004).

Opponents and game times for the double elimination tournament will be released early next week.

The Purdue North Central baseball team used a miracle comeback to defeat Robert Morris College 17-16 in 10 innings Thursday afternoon in Kankakee, IL in second round action of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. The comeback was the biggest in the history of the PNC baseball program.

The Panthers were trailing 15-0 entering the bottom of the sixth inning before rallying for 17 runs on 19 hits and eight walks over the final five innings. Entering the sixth inning, the Panthers had only four base runners on three hits and one walk.

PNC scored four runs in the sixth inning, eight runs in the seventh inning, three runs in the eighth and one each in the ninth and tenth innings. Robert Morris scored one run each in the second, third, fifth, sixth and eighth innings, but had a whopping 11 runs in the fourth inning. The Eagles had 14 hits and took advantage of four walks and four Panther errors. Amazingly, despite the incredible comeback by PNC, Robert Morris did not commit an error.

Leading the way for the Panthers were junior third baseman Tony Popov (Greenwood, IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC), sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske (LaPorte, IN / LaPorte HS) and junior first baseman Steve Georgion (Valparaiso, IN / Boone Grove HS), who all had four hits. Popov had a double, triple, two RBI's, four runs scored and added two walks, Mrozinske had a double and two RBI's while Georgion added a walk, an RBI and a stolen base.

Junior second baseman Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) had three hits and an RBI for the Panthers while junior shortstop Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ) had two hits (including a triple), two RBI's, two walks and three runs scored. Freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) added two hits and two RBI's and freshman designated hitter John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS) contributed a hit and two more RBI's.

Freshman catcher C. J. Rowe ( LaPorte , IN / South Central HS) came off the bench and had a big day for PNC, contributing two hits (including a double) and an RBI.

For the second game in a row, the only Panther starter (who played the entire game) not to have a hit was senior outfielder Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC). He did reach base twice on walks, scored a run and drove in two.

The winning pitcher was sophomore Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN / Chesterton HS) who pitched three scoreless innings of relief. Albano moved his record to 3-1, allowing just two hits and striking out three. Sophomore Jon Charlson ( Valparaiso , IN / Valparaiso HS) kept the Panthers in the game by pitching 3.1 innings of relief and allowing three earned runs on four hits before giving way to Albano .

The Panthers (#3 seed) will play the winner of Robert Morris (#4 seed) and Judson College (#2 seed) tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Olivet Nazarene University. Judson defeated host Olivet (#1 seed) 12-11 in the loser's bracket game Thursday afternoon.

The winner of the tournament earns a bid to the NAIA regional tournament which starts next Wednesday in Joliet, IL.

The Purdue North Central baseball team defeated Judson College 16-6 Thursday afternoon in Kankakee , IL in the first round of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. The game ended after eight innings of play due to the 10-run rule.

The Panthers pounded out 19 hits and took advantage of three Judson errors and three additional walks from the Eagles' pitching staff. Earlier in the season the Panthers lost 10-0 and 5-1 to Judson, managing just one hit in each game.

The Panthers scored five runs in the first inning, four in the second, four in the fourth and three more runs in the eighth inning. Judson scored one run in the second inning and five runs in the sixth inning.

Several players had big offensive performances for PNC. Sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske (LaPorte, IN / LaPorte HS) had four hits, including an RBI triple, sophomore catcher Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) had three hits (one double) and four RBI's, junior third baseman Tony Popov (Greenwood, IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) added three hits, including two doubles, junior shortstop Steve Hudson (Willowbrook, IL / College of DuPage CC) contributed two hits and four RBI's, junior Steve Georgion (Valparaiso, IN / Boone Grove HS) had two hits (one double) and two RBI's, freshman designated hitter John Selman (Kouts, IN / Kouts HS) pounded out two hits and had two more RBI's and freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) added an RBI.

In fact the only Panther starter not to collect a hit was senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC), who added two runs scored, while Dickerson was the only other Panther who didn't have multiple hits.

The winning pitcher was senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN / Boone Grove HS) who allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and four walks while striking out five in 6.1 innings. Losinski is now 4-5 on the year. Sophomore John Babinski ( Schererville , IN / Lake Central HS) finished the game by allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two in 1.2 innings of relief.

The Panthers (#3 seed), will now play Robert Morris (#4 seed) today at 3p.m. The game will be at Kankakee Community College , the secondary field used for the tournament. Robert Morris was an 8-1 winner over host Olivet Nazarene (#1 seed) earlier today in Bourbonnais , IL.

The winner of the tournament earns a bid to the NAIA regional tournament which starts next Wednesday in Joliet, IL.

Sophomore catcher Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) and senior pitcher/outfielder Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) were recently named to the All-Conference teams for the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference in baseball.

Stocker was named First-Team All-Conference after having a standout season behind the plate for the Panthers. Stocker hit .326 with four homeruns, 29 RBI's, 12 doubles and 17 walks in 49 games (48 starts) for PNC.

Since Stocker was named to the First Team, he will now be automatically nominated for All-Region.

Reid was named Honorable Mention All-Conference after having a strong season on the mound and in right field for the Panthers. He finished 6-3 with two saves in 15 games (11 starts) for PNC. The veteran right hander had a 4.26 ERA and struck out 53 batters while walking 31 in 76 innings pitched. The 76 innings pitched is a single season record for PNC.

Reid also hit .316 with 33 RBI's, 14 doubles and 17 walks. Reid was listed as the pitcher/designated hitter when he pitched and patrolled right field with a cannon for an arm when in the field. Reid had seven assists as an outfielder this past season.

"Both Chris and Joe are very deserving of their recognition," said head coach John Weber. "We had several players that had excellent years and were nominated at their respective positions. It just goes to show how good of a year a player has to have to secure a spot on one of the teams in this outstanding conference."

"Chris and Joe really stepped up at the end of the season when the team needed them the most," said Weber. "Chris played on a soar ankle and Joe took the ball on short rest in order to help the team reach their goals. Their contributions go beyond the numbers. I'm very proud and happy for each of them."

The Panthers finished 32-20, setting the single season school wins record by 10 (22 in 2004) and reached the NAIA national tournament for just the second time in school history (2004).

A complete list of the team should appear on the conference webpage shortly.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a 4-3 decision to Olivet Nazarene Friday afternoon in Bourbonnais , IL. The originally scheduled game was halted due to darkness with the game tied at three after eight innings of play on March 27th.

The Panthers wasted an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the ninth after freshman John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS) roped a one out double. After freshman Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) reached on a walk, the next two Panthers went down without advancing the runners.

Olivet went quietly in the bottom of the ninth as did the Panthers in the tenth, before the Tigers connected on a walk-off homerun leading off the tenth inning to win the game.

Overall, The Panthers scored three runs on 11 hits and committed two errors while Olivet scored four runs on nine hits and did not commit an error.

The losing pitcher was Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN / Chesterton HS), whose record fell to 2-1. Albano allowed one run on two hits while striking out one.

Offensively, Dickerson led the way with a two-run homer in the second inning. Sophomore Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) and junior Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) each had two hits, including a double by Stocker. Junior Steve Georgion ( Valparaiso , IN / Boone Grove HS) and senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) also added doubles with Georgion adding an RBI.

Due to the halted game, there were some oddities. Albano earned his first career hit in his first career at bat due to line-up changes the Panthers were required to make. Furthermore, Georgion was still in the line-up and able to play despite missing over three weeks with a broken hand he suffered on April 1 st .

The Panthers, now 29-18 overall, will play again on Sunday when they take on Indiana University Northwest in a doubleheader in Gary , IN at 11 a.m.

The University of St. Francis returned the favor to the PNC Panthers Thursday afternoon in Westville. After falling to the visiting Panthers 7-1 on Wednesday in Joliet , the Saints came marching in and defeated PNC 13-8 today.

The loss drops the Panthers to 29-17 overall and 11-8 in conference, while St. Francis improved to 25-22 and 11-5.

The Saints jumped out to a 7-1 lead after three innings of play, but the Panthers rallied to tie the score with six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. St. Francis responded with four runs in the sixth and two in the seventh to end the Panthers hopes.

Both teams tallied 14 hits but the Panthers four errors led to several opportunities for the Saints.

The Panthers offense was led by freshman C.J. Rowe ( LaPorte , IN / South Central HS) who had three hits, including a double, and two RBI's. Junior Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) also had three hits while senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) and junior Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ) each had a double among their two hits. Sophomore Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) added two RBI's for the Panthers.

Senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN / Boone Grove HS) took the loss for the Panthers to move his record to 3-5.

The Panthers will travel to Olivet Nazarene on Friday to complete a halted game (due to darkness) from March 27 th . The game is currently tied at three and entering the ninth inning. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team defeated the University of St. Francis 7-1 Wednesday afternoon in Joliet , IL . The Panthers improved to 29-16 overall and 11-7 in conference, while the Saints fell to 24-22 and 10-5.

PNC jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when senior outfielder Joe Reid (Mission Viejo, CA / Reedley CC) connected on a double to score junior first baseman Steve Georgion (Valparaiso, IN / Boone Grove HS) who reached on a walk. Junior second baseman Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) knocked Reid in with a squib single to right field.

St. Francis cut the lead in half with a run in the third inning, but PNC countered with single runs in five of the next six innings for the difference.

Junior Shawn Kuhns ( Northbrook , IL / Glenbrook South HS / Oakton CC) won his fifth straight start to move his record to 5-2. Kuhns, pitching on three days rest due to the Panthers backlog of games, allowed one unearned run on five hits while striking out and walking three in 6.2 innings. Senior John Vucko ( Portage , IN / Portage HS) came on in the sixth with runners at the corners and two outs, and recorded the final seven outs for the save.

Offensively, the Panthers recorded 13 hits, with three apiece coming from Reid, Pierce and senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN / Boone Grove HS). Reid had two doubles and the RBI on the day, Losinski added one double and two RBI's and Pierce knocked in three runs. Georgion added the other RBI on a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

The two teams will battle again today at 3:30 in a single, nine-inning game at PNC.

The PNC baseball team swept a doubleheader from Trinity International University Monday afternoon in Deerfield , IL . The Panthers won the first game 6-4 before winning the second game 5-4 in 10 innings. PNC is now 28-16 overall and 10-7 in the CCAC, while Trinity fell to 21-19 and 6-10.

In game one senior pitcher Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) battled through 5.2 innings of work to move his record to 6-2. Reid, pitching on short rest due to rainouts, allowed four runs on six hits while walking five and striking out two. Sophomore Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN / Chesterton HS) recorded the final four outs, three on strikeouts, for his school record fifth save. Albano broke the record previously held by current assistant coach Jason Stuebe, who had four saves in 2004.

The Panthers tallied nine hits overall, with three coming from junior second baseman Chad Pierce (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) and two from junior first baseman Steve Georgion (Valparaiso, IN / Boone Grove HS). Pierce, Georgion and freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) had the lone RBI's for PNC, who took advantage of two Trinity errors.

In game two senior pitcher, Tony Robb ( Portage , IN / Portage , IN ) pitched five strong innings, allowing just three hits and two earned runs before giving way to Albano . Albano allowed the tying run in the seventh before shutting down Trinity the rest of the way to earn the win and move his record to 2-0. Albano pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out four.

Pierce added three more hits and three more RBI's in the second game to lead the Panthers. Freshman designated hitter John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS) added a double and an RBI, sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) added a double and junior shortstop Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ) added an RBI.

The Panthers play again on Wednesday when they travel to Joliet , IL to take on the University of St. Francis at 3:30 p.m. in another CCAC match-up.

The Panthers of Purdue University North Central split a doubleheader verses the Wolves of Cardinal Stritch University Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee . Stritch won the first game 8-6 in eight innings while PNC rebounded to win game two, 4-3.

In the first game the Panthers jumped out to a 5-1 lead before the Wolves scored four runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game. Both teams remained scoreless until the eighth inning when the Panthers pushed a run across to make it 6-5. However, the Wolves responded with a one-out, three run walk-off homerun for the difference.

Senior pitcher John Vucko took the loss, pitching solid in relief of starter John Babinski. Vucko, now 6-3 on the year, allowed three runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings.

Offensively, the Panthers pounded out 15 hits but could muster just six runs due to several base running mistakes and a lack of clutch hitting. Juniors Tony Popov (third base, Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) Chad Pierce (second base, Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ), and Steve Hudson (Shortstop, Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ) and sophomore Chris stocker (Catcher, Chicago , IL / St. Ignatius HS) all had three hits apiece.

Freshman John Selman (outfielder, Kouts , IN / Kouts HS) added two hits for the Panthers. Popov and Selman each had a double while Pierce had two doubles. Pierce and Hudson each had two RBI's.

In game two the Panthers road the arm of junior Shawn Kuhns ( Northbrook , IL / Glenbrook S. HS / Oakton CC) to the 4-3 victory. Kuhns, now 4-2, pitched 6.2 innings allowing two earned runs while striking out six and walking two. Sophomore Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN / Chesterton HS) came in and recorded the final out for his fourth save of the season.

Junior designated hitter Steve Georgion ( Valparaiso , IN / Boone Grove HS) led the way for PNC with two hits, including the game winning double in the sixth inning, and an RBI. Stocker connected on his fourth round tripper of the season in the second inning to give the Panthers an early 2-1 lead.

The Panthers, now 26-16 overall and 8-7 in conference, play again on Monday at 1 p.m. in a CCAC doubleheader verses Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL.

The Purdue North Central Baseball team split a CCAC doubleheader with Trinity Christian Friday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers won the first game 11-10 before dropping the second game 6-0.

In game one Trinity jumped out to a 6-2 lead before PNC hit their way to a 10-6 lead entering the seventh. However, the Trolls fought back and tied the score on a two-out double to cap a four run rally. The Panthers scored the winning run on a bases loaded single by junior shortstop Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ) in the bottom half of the inning for the victory.

Senior Joe Reid (Mission Viejo, CA / Reedly CC) pitched strong in relief of starter Tony Robb (Portage, IN / Portage HS), giving up only one run in five innings before the stunning rally by the Trolls. Sophomore Tom Albano ( Chesterton , IN / Chesterton HS) eventually earned the win for the Panthers, moving his record to 1-0.

Several players had big games for the Panthers, who knocked out 13 hits and took advantage of four Trinity miscues. Freshman outfielder John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS), sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS), Reid, junior second baseman Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ), and Hudson all had two hits apiece.

Hudson led the Panthers with three RBI's, including two that came on his first collegiate homerun. Pierce and freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) each added two more RBI's. Dickerson connected on his third home run of the year to start the Panther comeback in the second inning, after falling behind 5-0 after one inning of play. Pierce added a triple and Selman a double for the only other extra base hits for the Panthers.

In game two the Panthers bats fell silent as they could muster only five hits by five different players and committed three costly errors for the difference. Senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN / Boone Grove HS / Ancilla CC) fell to 3-5 despite giving up just one earned run and striking out eight in 4.2 innings. Sophomore Jon Charlson ( Valparaiso , IN / Valparaiso HS) finished the game for PNC, allowing one earned run in 2.1 innings.

The Panthers, now 25-15 overall and 7-6 in conference, play again tomorrow when they travel to Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee for another CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m.

Head baseball coach John Weber earned his 200 th career victory Monday afternoon in the Panthers 10-2 victory over Grace College in the second game of a doubleheader.

Ironically, the Panthers 6-2 victory in game one established a new single season wins record for the PNC baseball program. PNC now stands at 24-13 overall, eclipsing the 22 wins turned in by the 2004 team.

Weber, who also is the Director of Athletics at PNC, has been known as a turn-around specialist as he climbed the coaching ladder.

Weber, just 35, earned his first 10 wins at Morton Community College in Cicero , IL , as a 25 year old head coach. He managed to compete in the difficult Skyway Conference with just the 12 players left to him in the middle of the school year.

"I was fortunate to become a head coach at a young age, and I was forced to learn a lot on the job very quickly," said Weber.

Weber had 35 players on his roster for year number two, but took on the top assistant position in January at Division II Lewis University, his alma mater, in hopes that it would lead to a full-time position.

"It was a difficult decision to leave after working extremely hard to build the program," said Weber. "But I knew I wanted to get a job in education and needed a full-time position to eventually support a family. It was the logical next progression in my career."

Weber's move to Lewis proved to be the right one as his one season of experience under legendary coach, Irish O'Reilly, helped land him the full-time position of Head Baseball Coach and Sports Information Director at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI in the fall of 1998. Previously, Weber helped make ends meet as an insurance representative in his family's insurance business.

At Lakeland , things looked bleak as Weber inherited a program that had won just two conference titles in 60 years, with the last nearly 15 years ago. It was supposedly a "can't win" situation as Wisconsin was dominated by state schools, with the majority competing at the same level (NCAA, Division III).

However, in Weber's second year the Muskies set the school wins record, and then reeled off four straight conference titles in the next four seasons. Furthermore, Lakeland earned two NCAA tournament bids, and finished 5 th in the nation at the 2002 NCAA, Division III College World Series, becoming the smallest college ever to make an appearance, and knocking off several powerhouses along the way.

Weber finished 148-114 during his six years at Lakeland , averaging more wins per season than the previous single season wins record. He left as the school's all-time winningest coach and still has the five highest single season win totals in school history.

It appears the current Panthers are making similar strides under Weber, already setting the school wins record in just his second season with several games to go. Last year Weber inherited the program with just 16 eligible players and a program that was barely surviving.

But the Panthers finished 18-23-1 overall and Weber is already the winningest coach in Panther history. In fact, once again, the Panthers will soon average more wins per season than the previous single season wins record.

'I am fortunate to have coached and currently coach some great student-athletes," said Weber. "Their will and preparation to succeed in the classroom and on the ball field is second to none."

"I am also extremely grateful to the many coaches I have had along the way," added Weber. "I try to surround myself with good, caring, talented people and usually good things will follow."

Amazingly, Weber's formula has proven successful as six of his former coaches are now head coaches at the collegiate level, all who have reached high levels of success.

Weber also believes the current staff at PNC is top-notch.

"Chet Ebner, Gary Demski and Jason Stuebe are class people who would do anything to see the program succeed at Purdue North Central," said Weber. "We are also fortunate to have our administration's support in Dean Coggins, and the talents of Stacy O'Neil, the department's administrative assistant."

The young but experienced coach is most thankful to his wife Erin and the support she has given and extra time she takes to help raise their two daughters, Hope (3 in May) and Kate (7 months), especially during the school year.

" Erin has been my biggest fan from day one and has been extremely supportive and understanding of the time commitment it takes to run successful programs," said Weber.

"Since we currently have two girls, Erin treats the boys on the team as our boys and is constantly inquiring about them and talking with them at games."

As the Director of Athletics, Weber is looking forward to not only future victories for the Purdue North Central baseball program, but also the entire department.

"I'm always excited for new professional challenges and opportunities," said Weber. "In baseball I literally take it one pitch at a time, but overall, I foresee great things for the Panther baseball program and the PNC Athletic Department as a whole."

The Purdue North Central baseball team set a new single season wins record by defeating Grace College in a double header Monday afternoon. The Panthers, now 24-13 overall, eclipsed the 2004 team, which finished 22-13-1.

The Panthers won the first game 6-2 behind the strong pitching of senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC). Reid allowed the two runs (none earned) on just three hits while striking out three and walking no one to move his record to 5-2.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by junior third baseman Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) who had two doubles and three RBI. Sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) added three hits and an RBI while Reid added two hits including a double. Freshman C.J. Rowe ( LaPorte , IN / South Central HS) also added a double for the Panthers.

In game two the Panthers knocked out 15 hits to win 10-2. Popov, Rowe and junior shortstop Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ) all had three hits. Popov hit his team-leading 14 th double while driving in three runs. The win was the 200th collegiate victory for head coach John Weber (see feature article above).

Mrozinske had another solid game with two hits (one double), two runs and two RBI while Reid, playing outfield this game, drove in two runs and added a double. Freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) added a double and two runs.

Senior Tony Robb earned the win to move his record to 5-1. Robb pitched five innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits while striking out three. Sophomores John Babinski and Jon Charlson each pitched one scoreless inning for the Panthers.

The Panthers play again on Wednesday verses St. Xavier in Oak Lawn at 3 p.m.

The PNC baseball team swept a doubleheader from Indiana University Northwest Saturday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers won the first game 10-5 before taking the second game 10-0 by the ten-run rule after six innings.

The non-conference wins move the Panthers record to 22-13 overall. The 22 victories equals the single season wins total at PNC as the 2004 team finished 22-13-1.

The Panthers won a sloppy first game behind the pitching of senior John Vucko ( Portage , IN / Portage HS). Vucko moved his record to 6-1 by throwing five innings and allowing two runs (one earned). He gave up four hits while striking out three and walking one. Freshman Dan McCauley ( Fremont , IN / Fremont HS) pitched the final two innings and allowed three runs (none earned) while striking out two.

PNC scored their 10 runs on 14 hits but committed a whopping seven errors. However, IUN struggled defensively as well, committing five errors while collecting their five runs on six hits.

Several Panthers had big days that managed to hold off IUN's late charge. Freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) had three hits (one double), three runs and a stolen base while freshman second baseman Chris Cappello ( Schererville , IN / Mt. Carmel HS), senior outfielder Joe Reid (Mission Viejo, CA / Reedley CC) and junior shortstop Chad Pierce (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) all added two hits apiece, including a double by Cappello.

Freshman designated hitter John Selman (Kouts, IN / Kouts HS) and sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske (LaPorte, IN / LaPorte HS) led the way with two RBI's each while Cappello, Dickerson, Pierce, freshman catcher John Novak (Michigan City, IN / Michigan City HS), sophomore first baseman Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) each had one RBI. Mrozinske and junior third baseman Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) each added double.

In game two senior Lance Losinski pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits while striking out 11. Losinski, who didn't allow a walk, moved his record to 3-4.

The Panthers were led by Popov, Stocker and Selman offensively. Popov finished four for four with a double, two RBI and two runs. Stocker added two doubles and a run, while Selman had two hits, three runs and an RBI.

Mrozinske added two RBI for the Panthers and Reid contributed two hits and two more RBI. Dickerson added two more hits, two runs and an RBI while freshman catcher C.J. Rowe ( LaPorte , IN / South Central HS) added a double and one RBI.

During the day the Panthers celebrated Business Appreciation Day and recognized all the sponsors who have been generous with their contributions to the PNC athletic department throughout the year.

PNC will play again this Monday when they host Grace College at 1:30 p.m. in another non-conference match-up.

The Purdue North Central baseball team defeated Aquinas College 7-2 Wednesday afternoon in Wyoming , MI. The teams were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but inclement weather forced the change to one, nine-inning game.

The win moved the Panthers to 20-13 overall while Aquinas, a participant in last year's NAIA World Series, dropped to 14-12. It is just the second time in PNC's history that the team has reached the 20 win barrier, with the most wins coming in 2004 when the Panthers finished 22-13.

The Panthers jumped out to a 4-0 lead after three innings, scoring two runs each in the second and third innings. The Panthers added three more runs in the fifth inning before relying on the pitching of seniors Tony Robb ( Portage , IN / Portage HS) and Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC).

Robb moved his record to 4-1 with six sparkling innings of work, allowing just one run on five hits and one walk while striking out five. Reid picked up his second save, also allowing one run on seven hits and one walk while striking out three.

Offensively, the Panthers accumulated 12 hits and had several big performers. Reid and junior shortstop Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) each had three hits with Pierce hitting a double and adding a stolen base while Reid had an RBI.

Sophomore catcher Chris Stocker Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) and freshman outfielder John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS) each had two RBI. Selman reached base three times, once on a double and twice by getting hit in the head. Senior first baseman Aaron Aigner (Union Mills, IN / South Central HS / Ancilla CC) and freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) also added RBI's for the Panthers, while junior third baseman Tony Popov (Greenwood, IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) added his team-leading ninth double of the year.

The Panthers play again this Saturday when they host Indiana University Northwest at 11 a.m. in a doubleheader. It is Business Appreciation Day for PNC and all sponsors will be recognized.

The PNC baseball team fell to St. Xavier Monday afternoon in Westville by the score of 13-3. The loss dropped the Panthers to 19-13 overall and 6-4 in conference while St. Xavier moved to 14-22 overall and 5-1 in conference.

The game was close into the sixth inning as St. Xavier led 4-3 after scoring two runs each in the first and third innings. The Panthers responded by scoring a single run in the fourth and two more in the fifth on a homerun by freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point, HS).

But St. Xavier erupted for five runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh and ninth innings to ice the game.

Senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN / Boone Grove HS / Ancilla CC) took the loss moving his record to 2-4. Losinski gave up nine runs on seven hits while striking out two and walking one in 5.2 innings.

Offensively, the Panthers managed just six hits by six different players. Senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) drove in the other run for the Panthers with a single in the fourth inning.

PNC plays again on Wednesday verses Aquinas College in Wyoming , MI in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. eastern time.

The Purdue North Central baseball team has moved down to fourth in the most recent Region VII, NAIA rankings. The Panthers moved down from third in last week's rankings. Only the top six teams are ranked from each of the 14 regions throughout the country.

The ranking is the second highest ever for the PNC program (last week's third was the highest) and just the fourth time the Panthers have ever been ranked. Three of the rankings have come this year.

The Panthers are currently 19-13 overall and 6-4 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The ratings as of April 10 th are:

1. Grand View, IA (16-9, 5-1)
2. William Penn , IA (19-9, 7-3)
3. St. Francis , IL (17-13, 7-0)
4. Purdue North Central (18-11-1, 6-3)
4. Olivet Nazarene (15-13-2, 5-2-1)
6. Iowa Wesleyan (16-16, 6-2)

The Panthers have played both William Penn and Olivet Nazarene. PNC lost twice to William Penn on their spring trip to Port Charlotte , Florida , and defeated Olivet Nazarene in a single game with the second game halted after eight innings due to darkness (the score is tied at 3).

The Panthers play again on Wednesday when they travel to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids , MI in a doubleheader at 3 p.m. (ET).

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a doubleheader against St. Francis Sunday afternoon in Fort Wayne , IN. The Panthers lost the first game 3-2 before rebounding to win the second game 9-2.

In game one sophomore pitcher John Babinski absorbed the loss despite throwing a complete game. Babinski allowed three earned runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out two.

Offensively, the Panthers mustered just five singles, two from the bat of junior second baseman Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / College of DuPage CC ). Junior third baseman Tony Popov had the lone RBI for the Panthers with a fielder's choice ground out in the first inning.

In game two PNC jumped out to a 9-0 lead through four innings after scoring single runs in the first two innings, three run in the third inning and four runs in the fourth inning. St. Francis scored two runs in the fifth inning and one in the seventh inning.

The winning pitcher was junior Shawn Kuhns ( Northbrook , IL / Glenbrook South HS / Oakton CC) who allowed two unearned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. Senior Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) pitched the final two innings and gave up one unearned run while striking out two.

Offensively, junior Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) connected for his third homerun of the year and had three hits and five RBI's to lead the Panthers. Freshman John Novak ( Michigan City , IN / Michigan City HS) had two hits, including a double, and one RBI. Sophomore Jared Mrozinske (LaPorte / LaPorte HS) contributed two hits and two RBI and junior Chad Pierce also added two hits and an RBI.

The Panthers are now 19-12 overall and play again tomorrow at 3p.m. verses St. Xavier in Westville.

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a non-conference doubleheader with Grace College Thursday afternoon in Winona Lake, IN. The Panthers won the first game 8-3 before dropping the second game 10-8. PNC is now 18-11 overall while Grace moved to 6-24.

In game one senior pitcher John Vucko ( Portage , IN / Portage HS) moved his record to 5-1 with the complete game effort. Vucko allowed two earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out one.

The Panthers were led offensively by junior third baseman Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) who drove in three runs on his first two homeruns of the year. Senior outfielder Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) added three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI.

Other Panthers that had multiple hits included freshman outfielder John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS), sophomore designated hitter Rick Brennan ( Hammond , IN / Morton HS), and freshman catcher John Novak ( Michigan City , IN / Michigan City HS). Brennan and senior shortstop Aaron Aigner (Union Mills, IN / South Central HS / Ancilla CC) each had a double. Freshman second baseman Chris Capello ( Schererville , IN / Mt. Carmel HS) made his first career start and picked up his first collegiate hit.

In the second game the Panther defense committed five errors and the Panther pitchers allowed 12 hits, four hit batters and three walks to hinder the PNC efforts.

Freshman Andrew Dahman ( Fremont , IN / Fremont HS) made his first collegiate start and lasted 2.2 innings before giving way to sophomore Jon Charlson ( Valparaiso , IN / Valparaiso HS). Charlson ended up taking the loss, moving his record to 0-1, due to three consecutive errors (two by Charlson) in the fifth inning that allowed Grace to take a 10-5 lead. Freshman Dan McCauley ( Fremont , IN / Fremont HS) was the only Panther of four pitchers not to give up a one, throwing one scoreless inning.

The Panthers rallied for three runs in the seventh inning and had the bases loaded with one out when sophomore first baseman Chris Stocker ( Chicago , IL / St. Rita HS) lined into a double play at third base to end the game.

Offensively, Popov added two more hits and an RBI, while Reid added two RBI and Selman added two RBI on four walks. Freshman C.J. Rowe ( LaPorte , IN / South Central HS) reached base four times on two singles and two walks. Brennan added his first collegiate homer with a solo shot in the fifth inning.

The Panthers play again tomorrow verses Trinity International in a CCAC doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. in Deerfield , IL .

The Purdue North Central baseball team has moved up to third in the most recent Region VII, NAIA rankings. The Panthers moved up from sixth in last weeks rankings. Only the top six teams are ranked from each of the 14 regions throughout the country.

The ranking is the highest ever for the PNC program and just the third time the Panthers have ever been ranked, including last week.

The Panthers are currently 17-10 overall and 6-3 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The ratings as of April 3 rd are:

1. Grand View, IA (11-8)
2. William Penn , IA (15-7)
3. Purdue North Central (15-10)
4. Olivet Nazarene (15-10)
5. St. Ambrose , IA (13-10)
6. St. Francis , IL (13-13)

The Panthers have played both William Penn and Olivet Nazarene. PNC lost twice to William Penn on their spring trip to Port Charlotte , Florida , and defeated Olivet Nazarene in a single game with the second game halted after eight innings due to darkness (the score is tied at 3).

The Panthers play again on Thursday when they travel to Grace College in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. (ET).

The Purdue North Central baseball team moved their record to 17-10 overall with a non-conference doubleheader sweep of Goshen College Tuesday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers won the first game 10-1 and the second game 5-3. Goshen fell to 9-23 overall.

In the first game sophomore pitcher John Babinski ( Schererville , IN / Lake Central HS) threw a complete game to move his record to 2-1. Babinski allowed the lone run in the first inning, while striking out three, walking two and allowing just four hits overall.

The PNC offensive attack was led by junior third baseman Tony Popov ( Greenwood , IN / Center Grove HS / Parkland CC) who had two hits and four RBI. Fellow juniors Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) and Steve Hudson ( Willowbrook , IL / Willowbrook HS / College of DuPage CC ) also had big days. Pierce, who started at shortstop, had two hits (one triple), an RBI and scored two runs. Hudson, who started at second base, had a hit and two RBI.

Sophomore catcher Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) reached base four times on two hits (one double) a walk and a hit by pitch. Fellow sophomore, designated hitter Rick Brennan (Hammond, IN / Morton HS), added a hit, one RBI and two runs while freshman John Selman (Kouts, IN / Kouts HS) reached base three times on two walks and an error. Sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) also reached three times on two walks and a hit by pitch.

In the second game junior pitcher Shawn Kuhns ( Northbrook , IL / Glenbrook South HS / Oakton CC) moved his record to 2-2 after pitching 6.1 strong innings. Sophomore Tom Albano picked up his third save by retiring the final two batters by strikeout. Kuhns allowed six hits and one walk while striking out a career-high 11 batters.

The Panthers had nine hits and were led by Selman's big game. Selman was three for three with a double, a triple, two RBI's and two runs. Selman drove in both runs on his triple and scored on the overthrow of third base.

Popov had another solid game, adding two hits, an RBI and a stolen base while senior outfielder Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) reached twice on a single and a walk and added a run.

The Panthers, currently ranked third in Region VII, play again this Thursday when they travel to Grace College for a doubleheader scheduled for 1 p.m. eastern time.

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a doubleheader with the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago Sunday afternoon. The Panthers lost the first game 5-4 but rebounded to win the second game 4-3. The Panthers are now 15-10 overall while moving to 6-3 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

In game one, senior pitcher Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA / Reedley CC) pitched strong into the sixth inning but PNC couldn't hold a one run lead. IIT scored two runs in the sixth and the Panthers bats remained silent in the seventh to secure the victory for the Scarlet Hawks. Reid fell to 4-2 on the season for the Panthers.

Offensively, junior Steve Georgion ( Valparaiso , IN / Boone Grove HS), sophomore Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN / LaPorte HS) and freshman John Selman ( Kouts , IN / Kouts HS) led the attack with two hits apiece. Selman had a double and two RBI while Mrozinske also added an RBI.

In game two, senior pitcher Tony Robb ( Portage , IN / Portage HS) overcame four PNC errors and threw a two hitter for the Panthers. Robb walked two and struck out five, including the final batter with the tying run on third base to move his record to 3-1.

Junior shortstop Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN / Crown Point HS ) and sophomore catcher Chris Stocker (Chicago / St. Ignatius HS) both hit homeruns for the Panthers to lead the offensive effort. Pierce finished with three hits, two RBI and two runs while collecting his first college dinger. Selman added two more hits, including a double for PNC.

The Panthers play again this Tuesday verses Goshen College in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. in Westville.

The Purdue North Central baseball team managed just two hits Saturday while dropping a doubleheader to visiting Judson College Saturday afternoon. The Panther, now 14-9 overall and 5-2 in conference, lost 10-0 in the first game and 5-1 in the second game. Judson improved to 9-9 and 2-0.

The first game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when several costly Panther mistakes led to five runs for Judson. The Eagles continued to add runs before winning by the ten run rule after six innings.

Steve Georgion (Valparaiso/Boone Grove HS) had the lone hit for the Panthers, lacing a double to left field in the first inning. Despite pitching well before developing a blister, Lance Losinski (Crown Point/Boone Grove HS/Ancilla CC) took the loss to move his record to 2-3.

Game two starter John Vucko (Portage/Portage HS) pitched well for the Panthers, but a lack of an offense hurt PNC once again. Vucko pitched 6.2 innings giving up just two earned runs but Chad Pierce (Crown Point/Crown Point HS) managed the only hit verses Judson in the sixth inning.

The Panthers scored their only run in the fifth inning when Steve Hudson ( Addison , IL /Addison HS/College of DuPage CC) reached on a walk, stole second and third base, and scored on a C.J. Rowe ( LaPorte , IN /South Central HS) sacrifice fly to leftfield.

"It was a poor effort all the way around," said head coach John Weber. "I can sum up our effort in one word - brutal."

The Panthers play again on Sunday verses the Illinois Institute of Technology in a doubleheader at 12 p.m. in Chicago in another CCAC match-up.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was recently ranked sixth in the latest NAIA Region VII rankings.

The ranking is just the second ever for the PNC program and is the earliest in the season the Panthers have ever received recognition.

The Panthers are currently 14-7 overall and 5-0 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The ratings as of March 28th are:

1. Grand View, IA (11-8)
2. William Penn , IA (12-6)
3. Olivet Nazarene , IL (10-9-1)
4. St. Xavier , IL (7-14 )
5. St. Ambrose , IA (11-8)
6. Purdue North Central (13-7)

The Panthers have played both William Penn and Olivet Nazarene. PNC lost twice to William Penn on their spring trip to Port Charlotte , Florida , and defeated Olivet Nazarene in a single game with the second game halted after eight innings due to darkness (the score is tied at 3).

The Panthers play again this weekend when they host Judson College in a doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team moved their winning streak to seven games with a 6-4 come from behind victory over Olivet Nazarene Monday afternoon in Bourbonnais , IL. The second game was halted after eight innings of play due to darkness with the score tied at three. The game will be completed at a date to be announced.

Excluding the halted game, the win moves the Panthers to 14-7 overall and 5-0 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while the Tigers, currently ranked fourth in the Region VII standings, fell to 10-10-1 (tied Indiana Tech earlier this year) and 2-1.

In the first game the Panthers fell behind 3-0 in the first inning when the Tigers connected on a bases clearing, two-out double.

PNC tied the game with three runs in the top of the third before adding single runs in the fourth, fifth and seventh innings to seal the victory.

The Panthers scored six runs on 11 hits and committed one error while the Tigers scored four runs on six hits and also had one error.

Junior shortstop Chad Pierce ( Crown Point , IN , Crown Point HS ), junior first baseman Steve Georgion ( Valparaiso , IN , Boone Grove HS) and freshman outfielder John Selman ( Kouts , IN , Kouts HS) all had two hits with Georgion and Selman adding RBI's. Georgion and sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske ( LaPorte , IN , LaPorte HS) each had doubles for the Panthers while senior pitcher Joe Reid ( Mission Viejo , CA , Reedley CC) added a hit and two RBI's.

Reid moved his record to 4-1 by allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and seven walks while striking out six in five innings of work. Senior pitcher Tony Robb ( Portage , IN , Portage HS) pitched the final two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out one for his first save of the year.

In the second game the roles were reversed as the Panthers jumped out to a three-run lead before Olivet Nazarene forged a 3-3 tie that would remain that way until the game was halted due to darkness.

PNC scored one run in the first inning and two runs in the second inning while the Tigers scored single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

The Panthers scored three runs on nine hits and committed two errors while the Tigers scored their three runs on seven hits and committed just one error.

Offensively for PNC, freshman outfielder Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN, Crown Point HS) had the big blow, smacking a two-run homer in the second inning that also scored fellow freshman John Selman, who reached on a dropped third strike. It was Dickerson's first career homer. Pierce added two more hits while Georgion added the other RBI.

Senior John Vucko ( Portage , IN , Portage HS) pitched 4.2 innings for PNC, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and four walks while striking out two. Senior Lance Losinski ( Crown Point , IN , Boone Grove HS, Ancilla CC) pitched a scoreless 3.1 for the Panthers, allowing just three walks and striking out four.

The Panthers play again this Saturday when they host Judson College in another CCAC doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team moved their winning streak to six games with a sweep over visiting St. Francis College (IN) Sunday afternoon in Westville. The non-conference victories move the Panthers to 13-7 overall while St. Francis fell to 5-15.

The Panthers won the first game 7-3 behind the pitching of sophomores John Babinski ( Schererville , IN , Lake Central HS) and Jon Charlson ( Valparaiso , IN , Valparaiso HS). Babinski moved his record to 1-1 with six innings of work, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out two. Charlson finished the game with one scoreless inning, allowing two hits.

Offensively, junior shortstop Chad Pierce (Crown Point, IN, Crown Point HS), junior third baseman Tony Popov (Greenwood, IN, Center Grove HS, Parkland CC), junior first baseman Steve Georgion (Valparaiso, IN Boone Grove HS), and sophomore catcher Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL, St. Ignatius HS) all had two hits to lead the 11-hit attack for the Panthers. Popov had a double, triple and two RBI's while Stocker had a double and two RBI's.

The Panthers scored a run in the second inning, two runs in the third inning, a run in the fourth inning and three runs in the fifth inning. St. Francis scored three runs in the top of the fourth to tie the score at three apiece. However, PNC sophomore Ricky Brennan ( Hammond , IN , Morton HS) plated the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning to give the Panthers a lead they would not relinquish.

In the second game junior college transfer Shawn Kuhns ( Northbook , IL , Glenbrook South HS, Oakton CC) recorded his first career victory with six innings of two-hit ball. Kuhns, now 1-2 on the year, allowed just one run and two walks while striking out five. Sophomore Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN Chesterton HS) recorded the final three outs for his second save.

The Panthers mustered just five hits while scoring single runs in both the first and sixth innings. Popov had a run-scoring double in the first inning to score Pierce who reached on an error, while sophomore outfielder Jared Mrozinske (LaPorte, IN, LaPorte HS) drove home the winning run with a smash up the middle in the sixth to score pinch runner Steve Hudson (Addison, IL, Addison HS, College of DuPage CC), who had stolen second base. Hudson was running for senior outfielder Joe Reid (Mission Viejo, CA, Reedley CC) who started the inning with a single

Defensive gems were turned in by Popov and Reid throughout the day, Popov made a diving back-handed stab at third base in the second game and Reid threw out a runner at second base on a spectacular throw from right field in the first game.

The Panthers play again tomorrow verses Olivet Nazarene in Kanakakee , IL in a CCAC doubleheader at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept a doubleheader from visiting Robert Morris College Thursday afternoon, winning the first game 8-2 and the second game 4-0.

In the first game senior Tony Robb pitched 6.2 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out three to move his record to 2-1. Sophomore John Babinski recorded the final out for the Panthers.

The Panthers scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings, before putting the game away with five runs in the sixth inning.

Sophomore catcher Chris Stocker led the offensive attack with three hits (one double) and three RBI's. Junior first baseman Steve Georgion and senior right fielder Joe Reid (one double) added two hits and an RBI, while freshman designated hitter John Selman added a hit and two RBI. Freshman centerfielder Dave Dickerson contributed a triple and a run scored.

In the second game senior Lance Losinski pitched six strong innings, allowing just four hits while striking out one to even his record at 2-2. Sophomore Tom Albano closed out the game by recording the last three outs, including two by strikeout.

The Panthers managed seven hits and were led by junior shortstop Chad Pierce who had three hits, two runs and an RBI. Pierce also made several difficult plays in the infield for PNC. Georgion added three RBI's on a two-run single and a fielder's choice.

The Panthers are now 11-7 overall and 4-0 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Robert Morris fell to 6-5 and 0-2.

PNC plays again this Sunday at noon when they host St. Francis of Fort Wayne, IN in a non-conference doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. (central time).

The Purdue North Central baseball team opened conference play Saturday afternoon by sweeping Calumet College of St. Joseph in a doubleheader. The Panthers won the first game 4-3 before winning the second game by the 10-run rule, 11-1.

In game one the Panthers scored one run in the first and three in the third to take a 4-1 lead. Calumet rallied in the top of the seventh for two runs before sophomore Tom Albano retired the last three batters to close out the game.

Senior Joe Reid pitched six strong innings, allowing six hits and four walks while striking out three to move his record to 3-1. Albano picked up his first save of the season retiring the only three batters he faced on a fly out, a huge strike out and a ground out to end the game.

Albano 's strike out came with the tying and go ahead runs at second and third base. Senior second baseman Aaron Aigner made a difficult play up the middle to record the final out on a close play at first.

Offensively, the Panthers had only five hits by five different players with Reid and junior third baseman Tony Popov picking up the lone RBI's.

In game two PNC scored four runs in the first inning, two in the second, and iced the game with five runs in the fourth for the 11-1 victory.

Senior John Vucko moved his record to 4-0 with the complete game effort, allowing just three hits while striking out four and walking one.

The Panthers racked up 11 hits, including two each by junior first baseman Steve Georgion (2 for 3 with a triple and 2 RBI's), junior shortstop Chad Pierce (double, RBI), freshman designated hitter John Selman (2 RBI's), and Popov (2 runs). Freshman centerfielder Dave Dickerson added a double and Reid, playing right field this game, added two RBI's.

PNC is now 9-7 overall and 2-0 in the CCAC and host Robert Morris at 1 p.m. in another CCAC match-up this Tuesday.

The season opening weekend for baseball has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The entire Midwest is preparing for a cold spell that has forced the Panthers to call off contests verses Shawnee State (OH) and Marion College (IN).

PNC will now open their season verses a dangerous Missouri Baptist program (currently 2-0) with a four game series beginning next Friday in St. Louis . Last year the Spartans finished 40-24 and they have won 40 games or more in four of the last six seasons. They have also made four NAIA regional tournament appearances during the same timeframe.

PNC finished 18-23-1 last season and finished in eighth place in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The 2006 Purdue North Central Panthers enter the season with an unproven and young team that returns just 9 players from last year's squad. The Panthers must overcome the loss of six positional starters, five pitchers and seven seniors overall.

After inheriting last year's team in October with just 16 eligible players, second year coach John Weber brought in 15 new student-athletes with his first recruiting class. Weber hopes to lay a strong foundation as he sets out to build a complete program.

The Panthers will spend the early part of the season trying to identify roles and establish team chemistry for their new players. But many individuals are expected to step up.

On the mound, senior Tony Robb will be one of the Panthers top starters. Robb finished 6-3 last season with a 3.50 ERA. He struck out 33 and walked just 18 in 51.1 innings.

Weber also expects big things from fellow seniors Joe Reid and Lance Losinski. Last year Reid was a hard-luck 1-7 with a 5.02 ERA. In 47.2 innings he struck out 26 and walked 16.

Losinski finished 2005 0-2 with a 7.27 ERA, striking out seven and walking 11 in 13.2 innings. Last year, due to the shortage of players, Losinski played right field and catcher as well. This year, Losinski should be able to focus on pitching, his primary position.

Other returners expected to compete for time on the hill include a slew of sophomores in Tom Albano, John Babinski, Jon Charlson and Ryan Curless.

Albano emerged into the team's closer last year and finished 3-0 with two saves and a 2.99 ERA in 18 innings pitched. He allowed just eight hits and struck out 19 while walking 10.

Babinski started slow last year but finished with a flourish to improve his numbers. Overall he was 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA and had 15 strikeouts and eight walks in 25 innings.

Charlson completed his freshman campaign with a 4.09 ERA and no decisions in 11 innings. He had three strikeouts and three walks in six appearances.

Curless finished his rookie campaign with a 1-0 record and a 2.45 ERA. He struck out 12 and walked 10 in five appearances.

Other newcomers expected to make immediate contributions to the pitching staff include senior John Vucko, junior Shawn Kuhns, and freshmen Andrew Dahman, and Dan Mc Cauley.

Vucko is back after sitting out a year and looks to bring veteran, left-handed experience to the mound. Kuhns, a lanky lefthander, transferred in from Oakton Community College in Des Plaines , IL and has improved significantly from the fall. Dahman is another lefthander that looks to use his crafty ways to induce lots of ground balls and pop-ups. Mc Cauley is a tall righthander that brings an imposing frame to the hill.

On offense, the Panthers will have nearly an entire new line-up as just three regulars are back in Reid, junior Steve Georgion and sophomore Chris Stocker.

Reid earned the starting job in right field 12 games into last season and ended up leading the team in average (.368), RBI's (30) and doubles(9). He managed being a two-way player successfully last season and looks to do it again this year.

Georgion's statistics were nearly identical to Reids' as he hit .366 with 29 RBI's and nine doubles while being a true utility player for PNC. Last year Georgion was the only Panther to earn First Team All-Conference honors (as a utility player) and played every position except pitcher, catcher and shortstop. This year the Panthers expect Georgion to handle first base and back up only as needed at other positions. Georgion will be backed up by freshmen John Novak and Jay McCauley, who is currently out with a broken arm.

Stocker started as a true freshman last year at the catcher position and hit .297 with three homeruns and 21 RBI in 41 games. Stocker will share catching duties with freshmen C.J. Rowe and Novak. Rowe transferred in at semester break and Novak was converted to catcher, and both can fill in at different positions.

The rest of the Panthers lineup includes many newcomers fighting for several jobs.

At second base, the Panthers will look to junior college transfer Steve Hudson ( College of DuPage ) to lead the way. Hudson transferred in at semester break and is still showcasing his skills to the PNC staff. Freshman Chris Cappello will look to fill the role as a defensive specialist in the middle infield for the Panthers.

PNC will look for the athletic Chad Pierce to lead the way at shortstop. Pierce should anchor a strong infield defense and also contribute on the offensive side as well.

Third base should be manned by junior Tony Popov. Popov transferred in from Parkland Community College after sitting out last season and has been a true leader for the Panthers thus far. Ricky Brennan should also fight for action at the hot corner and looks to battle for time at designated hitter as well.

The outfield will also feature two newcomers in Jared Mrozinske and David Dickerson. Mrozinske is a sophomore from LaPorte High School , a state power, while Dickerson is expected to make an impact as a freshman.

Freshman John Selman will be extremely valuable to PNC as he has the ability to play every position on the field except pitcher and catcher. He will have to check the line-up on a daily basis to see where he'll be.

Weber's coaching staff consists of Chet Ebner, Gary Demski and Jason Stuebe. Ebner begins his fourth year with the club and will handle the hitters. Demski and Stuebe enter their first season as assistants, with Demski taking on the role of bench coach and Stuebe coaching first base and the pitchers.

The Panthers begin their 55 game season with a doubleheader in Portsmouth , OH verses Shawnee State University . Other highlights of the season include a 10 day trip to Port Charlotte , FL and 20 games against the difficult Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Panthers home opener will be March 18 th verses Calumet College of St. Joseph.

The Purdue North Central baseball team took advantage of a fluke play to defeat the Panther Old timers 4-3 Saturday afternoon at Hicks Field in the first-ever PNC Baseball Old Timers game.

The two teams both struggled with their offenses on a cold and blustery day in which the pitchers dominated and defense was the difference.

The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead over the Old Timers by scoring one run in the first inning and two runs in the fourth inning.

In the first inning, junior Tony Popov reached on a walk and eventually scored on a wild pitch by Old Timers' starting pitcher Chad Dzierba.

In the fourth inning freshman John Selman hit a one out triple to left field and scored on senior Aaron Aigner's single to right field. Aigner stole second and eventually scored when junior Chad Pierce reached on a two-out error by the third baseman.

The Old Timers responded with two unearned runs of their own in the fifth. Tony Harris started it with a one out single. Harris moved to third after the Panther shortstop threw away a ground ball off the bat of Mike Ramian, allowing Ramian to move up to second base.

Neither runner advanced when Johnny Maliziola grounded out to the pitcher on a close play at first. But a two out error by the Panther third basemen allowed both runne