Chris Schultz, a junior first baseman from Elgin, IL (Elgin Community College) has been named to the NAIA All-Region team for Region VII.

A total of 17 players were honored by Region VII, including nine from the Midwest Collegiate Conference and eight from the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

In order to be selected to the All-Region team you must have been named First Team All-conference. All-Region members will be considered for various All-American teams (First Team, Second Team, Honorable Mention).

Schultz batted .445 (61 for 137) with eight homeruns, 48 RBI, 10 doubles, five triples, 15 walks, nine stolen bases and 41 runs while slugging .766.

The batting average, homeruns, RBI's, triples and slugging percentage were all school records. Schultz's on base percentage of .494 and 105 total bases were the second highest in program history while his 61 hits and 41 runs scored were the fourth most in school history.

Schultz was able to accumulate these numbers in just 40 games as he missed nine games early in the season and the Panthers lost 11 games due to weather.

Overall, the Panthers finished 28-21, equaling the second highest win total in program history while establishing a school record for most conference victories at 14-6.

Junior shortstop John Selman ( Kouts , IN /Kouts HS) and senior centerfielder Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) were recently named to the CCAC Rawlings Gold Glove Team for outstanding defensive play.

Pierce won the award for the second straight year and fielded .992 overall. The fast outfielder had 115 putouts, two assists and committed just one error. He was known for making difficult plays look routine and for his improbable catches.

"He was fun to watch out there," said head coach John Weber. "He had tremendous jumps, took great angles and did everything so effortlessly. He was clearly in an elite class defensively."

Selman ( Kouts , IN /Kouts HS) made the transition to shortstop this past year after playing up to six different positions the past two years for the Panthers, including all three outfield positions, second base, third base and first base.

"We knew John would do a great job as he is a very steady defensive play," said Weber. "His first two years we had a solid shortstop so John's versatility was extremely valuable to our program."

Weber was referring to former shortstop Steve Hudson who signed a professional contract upon finishing his career at PNC.

Selman fielded .940 with 107 assists and 66 putouts while committing 11 errors. Most of his errors came early in the season when the Panthers first got outside in Florida and a few others came when he was playing with a soar knee.

"Our backup shortstop, freshman Nate Hall (Portage, IN/Portage HS), injured his ankle on first base during a game so Selman played on when he could have used some time off," said Weber

Weber was impressed with Selman's ability to make things look seamless.

"John made it look like he had played there forever so winning this award really didn't surprise me. He is a good athlete who is sometimes misleading because his actions are very smooth. Plus we saw him everyday in practice and knew what he was capable of doing."

The Purdue North Central baseball team had two members receive honors to the recently released Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic All-Conference Baseball Teams.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) received First Team status as a first baseman while senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memorial HS) was named Honorable Mention All-Conference as a pitcher.

Schultz batted .445 (61 for 137) with eight homeruns, 48 RBI, 10 doubles, five triples, 15 walks, nine stolen bases and 41 runs while slugging .766.

The batting average, homeruns, RBI's, triples and slugging percentage were all school records. Schultz's on base percentage of .494 and 105 total bases were the second highest in program history while his 61 hits and 41 runs scored were the fourth most in school history.

Schultz was able to accumulate these numbers in just 40 games as he missed nine games early in the season.

Phillips finished 6-4 with a 4.15 ERA in 69.1 innings of work. He appeared in 13 games overall and started 11 while completing five. The right-hander struck out 28 batters while walking just six.

Phillips' six wins tied the mark for most wins in a season while his 11 starts were the second most in program history (he tied his total from last season). The five complete games tied Phillips' own school record, also from last season, while the 69.1 innings pitched were the fourth highest in program history.

Phillips also threw the first no-hitter in program history when he defeated Calumet College of St. Joseph 1-0 on March 29th. In that game he faced the minimum number of batters while striking out three. Phillips walked one in the game but the runner was promptly erased on a pick off at first base.

Overall, the Panthers finished 28-21, equaling the second highest win total in program history while establishing a school record for most conference victories at 14-6.

The Purdue North Central baseball team fell 12-11 in extra innings to Judson University in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship game at Westville.

Judson will now advance to the NAIA Region VII Tournament held in Joliet, Il next week.

The Panthers conclude another strong season with a 28-21 overall record after finishing 14-6 in conference play. The 28 wins equals the second most in program history (28-22 in 2007, 32-20 in 2006) while the 14 wins are the most ever in conference action.

The Panthers jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first when junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC) smashed a single to centerfield. When the ball scooted past Judson's centerfielder, Schultz circled the bases to give PNC a 1-0 lead.

Judson responded with two runs in the second before the Panthers added three in the top of the third inning to take a 4-2 lead.

But the Eagles scored a whopping seven runs in the bottom of the third on five hits, two walks and an error to move ahead 9-4.

The score stayed that way until the top of the ninth when Purdue North Central had a thrilling six-run rally to take a 10-9 lead. The Panthers scored their runs on six hits, a walk and an error.

Unfortunately, Judson was able to push a run across in the bottom of the ninth on two hits and an error to send the game into extra innings.

Once again, PNC took the lead on a bases loaded walk by senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC).

However, Judson scored two runs on two hits, two walks and an error to win the Championship.

Overall, PNC scored 11 runs on 13 hits but committed four errors while Judson had 12 runs on 12 hits and three errors.

Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) took the loss dropping to 3-3. Albano allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits while walking three and striking out four in 4.1 innings of work.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valpariao, IN /Valparaiso HS) gave up two unearned runs in three innings of work, while senior Scott Marks (Watervliet, MI /Berrien Springs HS) allowed three runs without retiring a batter. They all came in relief of junior starter Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) who allowed four runs in two innings of work.

Several players had strong offensive days for the Panthers. Five players had two hits apiece, including Pierce, Schultz, junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS), senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS), and junior Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS).

Dickerson led the way with a double and four RBI while Kennedy added another double, an RBI and reached on two walks. Schultz contributed two RBI and Pierce had an RBI and a walk. Stocker added a clutch RBI that gave PNC a short-lived lead entering the bottom of the ninth.

The Purdue North Central baseball team completed a necessary sweep of their games on Friday in Westville, allowing the Panthers to stay alive in the CCAC Tournament.

After splitting yesterday in the double elimination tournament the Panthers (#1 seed) must win out in order to advance to the NAIA Regionals.

In game one PNC overcame the elements and five errors to eliminate Olivet Nazarene (#2 seed) 10-5.

Junior Ryan Curless (LaPorte, IN/New Prairie HS) started the game but was eventually removed due to stoppage of play caused by intermittent rains. Curless allowed three runs (one earned) in three innings while giving up two hits, a walk and collected one strike out.

Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) came on to throw six strong innings to move his record to 3-2. Albano allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits while striking out six.

The Panthers pounded out 16 hits with four players collecting three apiece.

Junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) had three singles, two RBI, two stolen bases, and two runs. Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) also had three singles and added two runs, a stolen base and an RBI. Fellow junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS) collected three singles of his own and scored three runs.

Senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) led the way with three hits, including a double and homerun, and four RBI.

PNC scored one run in the first, third and eighth inning, four in the fifth and three in the sixth. Olivet knocked in two in the third, and one each in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

The win allowed the Panthers to advance and play undefeated Judson University (#3 seed) in the first championship game at 2 p.m.

The second game was scoreless through two innings before the Panthers erupted for five runs in the third inning, three in the fourth, one in the fifth, two in the sixth, two in the eighth and seven more in the ninth. The runs countered Judson's attack of three runs in the third, one in the eighth and three more in the ninth.

Sophomore pitcher Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) improved his record to 3-2 with the complete game effort. Scott allowed seven runs on 14 hits while striking out one. He did not issue a single walk.

The Panthers knocked out 17 hits with senior Stocker leading the way again with four. Stocker had two doubles, three RBI, a walk and two runs scored.

Several other Panthers had big games including senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) with a two hits, two RBI, two stolen bases and a walk, Dickerson with two hits (including a homerun), three runs, a stolen base and an RBI, Schultz with two hits (triple), two RBI, three runs and two walks and freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) with two hits, three runs, an RBI, a stolen base and a walk.

Junior John Selman (Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) added a double and led the Panthers with four RBI while sophomore Adam Kennedy reached three times on two walks and a single. Junior Jeremy Morton (Henderson, KY /DeKalb HS) plated a double and two RBI while Cappello also drove in two runs. Freshman Gibson Daniel (Mooresville, IN /Mooresville HS) added the other extra base hit for PNC with a run-scoring double.

The Panthers will play for the CCAC Tournament Championship tomorrow verses Judson at 12 p.m. The winner will advance to the NAIA, Region VII Tournament in Joliet, IL next week.

The Purdue North Central baseball team won their first game but dropped their second game in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament in Westville on Thursday.

The Panthers (#1 seed) defeated Trinity Christian (#4) 8-5 in game one and dropped game two to Judson University (#3) 9-7.

At the secondary field, home field of the Michigan City Stars, Judson defeated Olivet Nazarene (#2) 6-2 in game one and Olivet Nazarene defeated Trinity Christian 3-1 in game two. With their second loss Trinity Christian has been eliminated from the tournament.

The Panthers will now play Olivet Nazarene tomorrow at 10 a.m. in an elimination game with the winner advancing to play Judson 45 minutes later. Judson could win the tournament with a single win on Friday or will play a second championship game on Saturday if necessary.

In game one PNC jumped out to 4-1 and 8-1 leads before the Trinity Christian rallied for four runs in the eighth inning for the final margin.

Senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart , IN /Elkhart Memorial HS) moved his record to 6-4 with the victory. Phillips allowed five runs on 12 hits while striking out two in 7.2 innings of work.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) recorded a key out in the eighth before senior Tom Albano picked up his ninth save with a perfect ninth inning.

The Panthers had big games turned in by junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC), senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS), junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS), and sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS).

Schultz (two hits, HR, two RBI, two runs, BB), Stocker (three hits, two 2B's, two RBI, SB), Dickerson (four hits, 2B, two runs, RBI, SB) and Kennedy (two hits, 2B, two RBI) led PNC's 15 hit attack.

In game two the Panthers fell 9-7 to Judson in a back and forth type of game.

PNC scored two runs in the first before Judson scored five in the second and one in the third. The Panthers added solo runs in the second and third before scoring two in the fourth to tie the game at six. Both teams scored a run in the sixth before Judson scored the winning runs in the eighth inning.

Schultz started the game but lasted just one inning due to a sore arm and gave up two runs. Junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Schoolcraft HS/Kalamazoo Valley CC) pitched six inning of relief and gave up seven runs (six earned) and seven hits and four walks while striking out three. Albano came on and pitched two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

Junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS) led PNC with three hits (2B, BB) while Dickerson and Kennedy (2B, BB) added two hits each. Schultz led the Panthers with two RBI while four others added single RBI's. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) reached three times on a double, a walk and two HBP's for PNC.

The Panthers are now 26-20 overall. The win total is now the third highest in program history.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to the University of St. Francis Saturday in Westville.

The doubleheader had major implications for both teams as St. Francis clinched the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference regular season title with the sweep. If PNC had won they would have been the CCAC champs.

Now, the Panthers must wait for results from St. Xavier to see if they will finish second or third in the 11-team conference.

If the Panthers finish second they will receive an automatic bid into the NAIA, Region VII tournament. If they finish third, they will host the CCAC Tournament featuring the third through sixth place finishers. The winner of the tournament will join the top two teams in the Regional.

In game one the Panthers fell 4-2 as they managed only five hits overall, two from junior Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN/Boone Grove HS).

The two runs were driven in by junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS) and junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS) on a single and sacrifice fly respectively. The Panthers scored their runs in the second and fifth inning.

St. Francis scored three of their runs on a third inning, two-out homerun and another run on a two-out balk in the seventh inning.

Senior Brian Phillips absorbed the loss, giving up three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out one in five innings of work. Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC) gave up one run in 1.2 innings of work and senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton IN) pitched one-third of an inning for PNC.

In game two the Panthers fell 10-2 as the Saints out-hit PNC 11-6 and took advantage of three Panther errors.

St. Francis scored two runs in the second inning, five in the fourth, one in the sixth and two in the seventh. PNC scored both of their runs in the sixth inning.

The Panthers scored their runs on an RBI single by Selman and a sacrifice fly by junior Jeremy Morton (Henderson, KY/DeKalb HS). Selman and Schults were the only Panthers to reach twice as Selman added a walk and Schultz had a double and a walk.

PNC is now 25-19 overall and finished 14-6 in the CCAC, a new single season record for CCAC victories for the Panther program (13 in 2007). The Saints improved to 38-8 and 17-2.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to the University of St. Francis (IN) Wednesday afternoon in Fort Wayne. The Panthers dropped to 25-17 overall following the 5-1 and 3-2 non-conference setbacks.

In game one the Cougars scored one run in the first inning and three in the second to jump out to a 4-0 lead. PNC pushed one run across in the fifth and St. Francis matched it in the bottom half of the inning for the final score.

Sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) took the loss for PNC. He gave up four runs on seven hits in four innings of work. Junior Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN/Fremont HS) pitched three strong innings in relief, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out one.

The Panthers collected eight hits overall and were led by freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) with two hits and an RBI. Junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added two hits, including a double.

In game two the Panthers fell behind 2-0 after the Cougars scored one run each in the second and third innings. PNC scored one in the fifth and one in the seventh to force extra innings. St. Francis scored in the bottom of the eighth inning on a one out walk off homerun for the difference.

Junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI/Schoolcraft HS) started and pitched three innings for the Panthers, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk in three innings. Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) pitched two scoreless innings before senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) came on and absorbed the loss. Albano gave up one run on a hit and two walks while striking out three.

PNC managed just six hits by six different individuals. The only extra base-hit was again by Dickerson, who smacked a solo homerun in the fifth inning.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) drove in the other run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.

The Panthers play again on Saturday when they host St. Francis (IL) in an important CCAC doubleheader starting at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team used a late rally and solid pitching to sweep a doubleheader from Aquinas College Tuesday afternoon in Grand Rapids, MI.

In game one, PNC scored two runs in the third inning, one in the sixth and two in the seventh to defeat the Saints 5-4. Aquinas scored one run in the second inning and three in the sixth.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC) led the way with a two hits, including a two-run homer. Junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS) added two hits, including a game winning double in the seventh inning. Sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point,IN/Crown Point HS) added an RBI single for the Panthers, who took advantage of four Saint's errors.

Junior Ryan Curless (LaPorte, IN/New Prairie HS) started for PNC and gave up one run on three hits and two walks while striking out two in three innings of work. Senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN/Elkhart Memorial HS) came on and gave up three unearned runs in 2.2 innings on five hits and two walks while punching out one.

Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) earned the win, allowing just one hit while striking out three in 1.1 innings of relief.

In game two the Panthers scored two runs in the first inning and held on for a 2-0 victory behind strong pitching from three different pitchers.

Schultz earned the win with four innings of one-hit ball, striking out four and walking one. Senior John Lackinger (Elk Grove Village, IL/Conant HS) added two more scoreless innings while giving up just one hit. Albano came on and recorded the save with a hitless seventh while adding two more strikeouts to his totals.

Overall, PNC allowed just two hits and a walk to Aquinas, and only one hit after the first inning.

The Panthers' bats were also quite with four hits but they were able to take advantage of three more Aquinas errors, four walks and a hit batter.

Schultz led the way with two hits, including a double and added a walk and a stolen base. Sophomore Mark Myzskowski (St. John, IN /Hanover Central HS) drove in a run on a fielder's choice groundout.

The Panthers (25-15) play again tomorrow when they travel to Fort Wayne to take on the University of St. Francis in another non-conference doubleheader.

The PNC baseball team split a doubleheader Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee to Cardinal Stritch University, winning the first game 15-5 and losing the second game 5-4.

The Panthers moved to 23-15 overall and 14-4 in conference play while the Wolves improved to 6-23 and 4-8.

In game one PNC scored in every inning to take control of the game. The Panthers scored four runs in the first, fifth and sixth innings and one each in the second, third and fourth innings. Cardinal Stritch scored three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth before falling to the 10-run rule.

PNC pounded out 20 hits as several Panthers had big games. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) started it all with a leadoff homerun and finished with three hits, including another extra base-hit with a double, three runs and an RBI.

Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN/Boone Grove HS) also had three hits, including a double, three runs and two RBI as did junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS) and junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS). Selman had a homerun, two doubles, three runs and three RBI while Cappello had two runs and two RBI.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC) and senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL/St. Ignatius HS) added two hits apiece. Schultz had a homerun and two RBI, while Stocker also had two RBI.

Extra base hits were also turned in by sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) and freshman John Bugajski (Munster, IN /Munster HS) who had a double and triple respectively. The Panthers had an impressive nine extra base-hits overall with three homeruns, a triple and five doubles.

The winning pitcher was senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memorial HS). Phillips went the distance allowing three earned runs on nine hits while striking out one. Cardinal Stritch knocked out two triples and three doubles in a game that featured 14 extra base-hits overall.

Game two was a different story as the Wolves rebounded for the 5-4 victory.

PNC jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second but Cardinal Stritch answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Stritch scored two more runs in the fourth to take a 5-2 lead. The Panthers added two runs in the sixth but couldn't overcome the deficit.

Selman led the way for PNC with two more hits, including another homerun, two runs and an RBI. Kennedy had a good game as well with two doubles and an RBI. But PNC managed just six more hits by six different players and they were thrown out three times on the bases. Schultz added the only other extra base-hit with a double.

Junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI/Schoolcraft HS/Kalamazoo Valley CC) took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batter in 1.2 innings of work. Junior Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN/Fremont HS) gave up two runs on three hits in 1.2 innings before senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) shut the door with 2.2 hitless innings in relief while striking out three.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they travel to Gary to take on Indiana University Northwest in a non-conference doubleheader starting at 11 a.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team defeated St. Xavier University 17-16 Wednesday afternoon in Chicago in a wild, windy game.

With the victory, the Panthers moved to 22-14 overall and 13-3 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while the Cougars dropped to 21-16 and 4-3.

The Panthers scored in six different innings with five runs in the first, one in the second, one in the fourth, four in the sixth, three in the seventh and three in the ninth. St. Xavier scored in three innings but posted big numbers each time with four in the first and six each in the fourth and seventh innings.

The Panthers led 5-0, 5-4 and 7-4 before falling behind 10-7. They recaptured the lead at 11-10 and 14-10 before trailing again at 16-14 entering the ninth.

PNC scored their three runs in the ninth for the final margin when senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) connected on a two-run homer to tie the game at 16.

Sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) followed with a pinch-hit, go-ahead homerun with two outs in the top of the ninth.

The winning pitcher for the Panthers was junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin HS), who moved his record to 3-1 after allowing three runs in three innings of work. Schultz pitched scoreless and hitless eighth and ninth innings for PNC after allowing four singles and a double in the seventh. He finished with five strikeouts and a walk.

Junior Ryan Curless (La Porte, IN/New Prairie HS) started for the Panthers and allowed seven runs on five hits, five walks and one hit batter in three innings of work.

Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) bridged the gap between Curless and Schultz by also pitching three innings. Albano gave up six runs on nine hits and two hit batters while striking out two.

Several players had big days for the Panthers offensively as they collected 19 hits. Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) led the way by reaching base in five of six plate appearances. He hit his third homer of the year, had two singles, a walk and was hit by a pitch. Overall he had six RBI and added a successful suicide bunt the only time he didn't reach base.

Schultz had four hits, including a triple and three RBIs while junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added four hits, including a double, homerun (2), and four RBI.

Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Groove HS) added three hits and an RBI, while senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added two hits. Junior Jeremy Morton (Henderson, KY /Dekalb HS) added a run scoring double and a walk in his two plate appearances.

It is the first time the Panthers have ever beaten St. Xavier and was also the 100th victory for head coach John Weber at Purdue North Central.

The Panthers play again when they travel to Clinton, Iowa to take on Ashford College in a non-conference doubleheader on Friday at 10 a.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a CCAC doubleheader against Judson University Monday evening in Elgin, IL . The Panthers fell in game one 1-0 before recovering in the nightcap to win 6-0. PNC is now 21-14 overall and 12-3 in conference play.

Senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN/Elkhart Memorial HS) was the hard-luck loser in game one as the Panthers totaled just five hits by five different players. Phillips (4-3) gave up just six hits and struck out two without a walk.

The Eagles scored their only run with two outs in the fifth inning and PNC failed to score three times with runners in scoring position.

Junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) had PNC's only extra-base hit and junior Chris Schultz added a stolen base in limited offensive highlights for the Panthers.

Judson's starting pitcher, senior Kyle Kobernus struck out five and also didn't allow a walk in a crisp game.

In game two junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Schoolcraft HS/Kalamazoo Valley CC) pitched six sharp innings to earn the victory for PNC. Young allowed six hits and two walks while striking out five. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) came on and pitched a scoreless seventh for PNC.

Once again, the Panthers only managed five hits but took advantage of four walks, four hit batters and an error from Judson and added five stolen bases for the difference.

Junior shortstop John Selman (Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) was the only Panther with two hits and Schultz added two RBI without a hit and a stolen base to lead PNC. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) reached on a hit, a walk and a hit-by-pitch, scored two runs and stole two bases.

Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) also reached on a walk and HBP and added two runs. Dickerson added a run-scoring single and Stocker a run-scoring walk.

PNC scored two runs each in the first, sixth and seventh innings.

The Panthers play again on Friday when they travel to Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa for a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team moved to 20-13 overall following a non-conference doubleheader split verses Bethel College (15-14) in Mishawaka Friday afternoon.

In game one Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) moved to 2-1 after allowing four runs on six hits, a walk and two strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) picked up a hold by retiring a key batter in the sixth inning before senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) came on to record his seventh save of the year.

The Panthers were led on the offensive side by junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin HS) with two hits, including a homer and two RBI's.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) also added two hits and an RBI while sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS), senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) and freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN /Merrillville HS) added RBI's.

The Panthers scored one run in the first inning and five in the fifth while the Pilots had single runs in the third and fourth innings and two in the sixth.

In game two senior Scotty Marks (Watervliet, MI/Berrien Springs HS) pitched a strong 6.1 innings for the Panthers but came away with the loss to move his record to 2-2. Marks allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks while picking up two strikeouts.

Offensively, PNC managed just six hits, including two by Zambrano. Junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS) and freshman Nate Hall (Portage, IN /Portage HS) drove in two runs and one run respectively on singles. Freshman Gibson Daniel (Mooresville, IN /Mooresville HS) had PNC's only extra base hit with a double and added a stolen base.

The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead and scored all their runs in the second inning, while Bethel took advantage of several PNC defensive miscues and scored two in the fourth and one each in the fifth and seventh innings.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they travel to Judson University in Elgin, IL for a CCAC doubleheader at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a CCAC match-up by the score of 10-4 to St. Xavier University Wednesday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers moved to 19-12 overall and 11-2 in conference while the Cougars moved to 21-15 and 4-2.

Both teams came into the game playing solid baseball as PNC had won 12 straight and 15 of 16 and St. Xavier winning 12 of their last 15.

The Cougars jumped out to a commanding 9-0 lead scoring one run in the second inning, five in the third, one in the fourth and two in the fifth before adding a single run in the seventh.

The Panthers scored one run in the fifth inning and three in the sixth while managing just four hits in the game.

Junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS) led the way with two hits, including a double and an RBI. Freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN /Merrillville HS) and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added RBI groundouts for the Panthers.

Senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memoria HS) fell to 4-2, giving up six runs (five earned) on nine hits in three innings of work.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS) allowed three runs on four hits in one inning of work before senior John Lackinger (Elk Grove Village, IL/Conant HS) came on and pitched five innings strong inning of relief. Lackinger allowed one unearned run on six hits while striking out one.

Overall, St. Xavier knocked out 19 hits and committed two errors and took advantage of three PNC errors.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they travel to Bethel College in Mishawaka for a doubleheader at 1:30 p.m. CST.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept a non-conference doubleheader from Aquinas College (MI) Tuesday afternoon in Westville, winning the first game 13-6 and the second 3-0 in five innings due to darkness.

The wins moved the Panthers to 19-11 overall and extended their school-record winning streak to 12 as they picked up their 15th win in 16 games.

In game one the Panthers knocked out 13 hits and scored one run in the first inning, two in the second, one in the fourth, four in the sixth and five in the sixth. The Saints had 11 hits and scored three runs in the third inning to tie the game and single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) led the way with four hits, including a double and four RBI. Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) added two hits and two RBI while senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) added two hits. Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) added two RBI and junior John Selman (Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) added a run scoring double.

Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN /Valparaiso HS) moved his record to 3-1 with 1.2 innings of strong relief of starter Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Kalamazoo Valley CC). Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) picked up his sixth save of the year, striking out four in three innings of relief.

Charlson inherited three runners with one out and Albano one in scoring position with no outs but didn't allow one to score.

In game two sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) moved to 2-1 with five shutout innings. The big right-hander allowed just five singles in the darkness shortened game. It was the pitching staff's eighth shutout in the past 16 games.

The Panthers managed just three hits but one was a two-run round-tripper by Selman in the first inning when PNC scored all of their runs. Schultz added a run-scoring single and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) contributed a double.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they host St. Xavier in a CCAC match-up at 3 p.m. in a single, nine-inning game.

The Purdue North Central baseball team destroyed Indiana University Northwest in a non-conference doubleheader Sunday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers, now 17-11 overall and in the midst of a 10-game winning streak, won game one 11-0 before taking game two 15-3. Both games lasted just five innings due to the 10-run rule.

In game one senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN /Valparaiso HS) picked up the win, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out five in 2.2 innings of work. Senior john Lackinger (Elk Gove Village, IL /Conant HS) closed the game out with six strikeouts, two walks and only one hit in 2.1 innings.

Several Panthers had big days with freshman John Bugajski (Munster, IN/Munster HS) and sophomore Mark Myszkowski (St. John, IN/Hanover Central HS) leading the way.

Bugajski (three hits, a double, four RBI, two runs, one stolen base) and Myszkowski (three hits, a double, two RBI) were aided by freshman Gibson Daniel (Mooresville, IN/Mooresville HS) with two hits, two runs and an RBI, and senior Nestor Allende (San Juan, Puerto Rico). Allende also had two hits, a run and an RBI. Freshman Nate Hall (Portage, IN /Portage HS) added a double for the Panthers.

In game two it was more of the same as PNC won 15-3 and were never threatened.

Senior Scott Marks (Watervliet, MI /Berrien Springs HS) picked up the win, giving up two runs in 1.2 innings of work while striking out three. Marks inherited a bases loaded jam in the third inning and escaped with unscathed with two strikeouts.

Marks relieved sophomore Jesse Cartagena (Lafayette, IN /Jefferson HS) who allowed one run (zero earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out two in 2.1 innings. Sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) pitched a scoreless fifth for PNC and added two strikeouts.

The Panthers pounded out 16 hits including three each by Hall (three runs, two RBI), Myszkowski (double, three RBI, two runs) and Daniel (two doubles, RBI). Bugajski and sophomore Jay McCauley (Fremont, IN/Fremont HS) added two hits apiece with Bugajski adding a walk and two stolen bases and McCauley picking up a double and two RBI.

The Panthers play again on Tuesday when they host Aquinas College in a non-conference doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team won both ends of a doubleheader verses Trinity Christian Saturday afternoon in Westville.

The Panthers won the first game 10-0 and took the nightcap 6-1. PNC is now 15-11 overall and 11-1 in the CCAC while the Trolls dropped to 5-10 and 2-3.

Junior pitcher Ryan Curless (La Porte, IN/New Prairie HS) moved his record to 2-3 with a complete game shutout in game one. Curless allowed five hits, struck out a career high 10 batters and didn't allow a walk while running his scoreless innings streak to 13 innings.

The Panthers knocked out an impressive 17 hits and scored two runs in the first and second innings, one run in the third and five in the sixth.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) led the way with three hits while junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC), senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS), junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) had two hits apiece.

Schultz, Stocker, Dickerson, sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) and freshman John Bugajski (Munster, IN /Munster HS) all had one double while Stocker added his second homer of the year.

Stocker finished with four RBI's while Schultz and Bugjaski added two each. Pierce, Dickerson and Kennedy contributed one RBI apiece.

In game two junior Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) evened his record at 1-1, throwing 6.1 strong innings. Dahman allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out three. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) came on to record the final two outs.

The Panthers scored four runs in the first inning, one in the second and one in the fifth while the Trolls managed one in the seventh.

PNC collected 12 hits, including four by sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) and three by Pierce. Kennedy led the Panthers with two RBI while Schultz, Stocker, Selman and Dickerson had one apiece.

Purdue North Central, winners of eight straight and 11 of 12, will play again tomorrow when they host Indiana University Northwest at 11 a.m. in a non-conference doubleheader.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept their third straight conference doubleheader with 9-1 and 2-0 victories over Trinity International Friday afternoon in Westville. The games were originally scheduled for Deerfield, IL but wet field conditions caused the change in locations.

The Panthers, playing both games as the visiting team, moved their record to 13-11 overall and 9-1 in CCAC action, while the Trojans dropped to 10-9 and 5-4.

In game one the Panthers were led by senior pitcher Brian Phillips who moved his record to 4-1. He allowed a single run in the first inning while going the distance for the third straight game. Phillips, who was coming off a no-hitter verses Calumet College of St. Joseph in his last outing, gave up six singles while striking out four and walking one.

Offensively, the Panthers collected 12 hits and scored one run in the fourth inning, five in the fifth and three in the seventh.

Juniors Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL/Elgin CC) and Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt.Carmel HS) all had two hits apiece with Schultz collecting his third triple of the year. Zambrano and Dickerson each had two RBI while junior John Selman (Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) and Schultz added an RBI each.

In game two Casey Young pitched his second straight complete game shutout, allowing four hits overall while striking out two and walking one. In five of the seven innings he faced the minimum of three batters.

The Panthers scored single runs in both the sixth and seventh innings while collecting six hits overall. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC/Crown Point HS) and sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) had two hits apiece while senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS) and sophomore Mark Myszkowski (St. John, IN/Hanover Central HS) drove in PNC's runs on a sacrifice fly and ground out.

Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) reached twice on a walk and scored one run while Dickerson scored the other run after reaching on a single to lead off the seventh inning.

The Panthers play again on Saturday when they host Trinity Christian in another CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept a doubleheader from the Illinois Institute of Technology Sunday afternoon in Chicago, winning the first game 1-0 and the second game 6-2 in nine innings.

The Panthers now stand at 11-11 overall and 7-1 in conference play, while the Scarlet Hawks moved to 5-9 and 1-2.

In game one junior Ryan Curless (La Porte, IN/New Prairie HS) pitched six strong innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six and walking two to move his record to 1-3. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) pitched a scoreless seventh for his fifth save of the year.

The Panthers scored their lone run in the sixth inning on a two-out infield single from junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC). The single drove in sophomore Mark Myszkowski (St. John, IN /Hanover Central HS) who reached on a lead-off, pinch-hit walk. Myszkowski reached second on a single by senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC) and both runners moved up a base on a wild pitch.

Overall, PNC collected just four hits by four different players due to a strong pitching performance by IIT's sophomore pitcher Branden Schombert. Schombert threw a complete game, allowing the four hits and two walks while striking out six.

In game two the Panthers received another strong pitching performance by Schultz, who allowed two runs in six innings of work on eight hits and no walks while striking out four. Albano came on in the seventh and pitched three scoreless innings of one-hit relief to earn the victory and move his record to 1-1.

The Panthers trailed 2-0 entering the top of the seventh and had managed just two hits to that point. But senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS), junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and Myszkowski collected four singles in a row to make it 2-1.

After a fielder's choice force out at the plate, junior Dave Dickerson had a pinch hit sacrifice fly to drive in the tying run.

PNC collected the four winning runs in the ninth behind three consecutive walks to Zambrano, Myyszkowski and sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) to start the inning. After a fielder's choice force out at the plate, Pierce had a two run single that was eventually followed by a two-run double by Schultz for the final margin.

Overall, the Panthers collected 10 hits, led by two apiece from Schultz and Zambrano.

PNC plays again this Friday when they travel to Deerfield, IL to take on Trinity International in another CCAC match-up. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Brian Phillips threw a no-hitter in game one to lead the Purdue North Central baseball team to a doubleheader sweep over Calumet College of St. Joseph Saturday afternoon in Gary, IN. The game was originally scheduled to be played at PNC, but was moved to Calumet High School, the home field of CCSJ, due to snow in Westville.

The Panthers improved to 9-11 overall and 5-1 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while the Crimson Wave dropped to 8-7 and 0-4.

In the first game Phillips (Elkhart, IN/Elkhart Memorial HS) was brilliant, facing the minimum 21 batters while striking out three. The lone runner reached base on a second inning walk and was promptly picked off by Phillips.

Phillips (3-1) allowed just two balls out of the infield while recording 13 ground ball outs. He was sharp as he reached three balls just three times in the game and allowed just his second walk in 32 innings pitched so far this year. He needed just 71 pitches in the seven inning, complete-game effort.

Calumet's senior pitcher, Russell Gould (Hammond, IN /Clark HS) nearly matched Phillips, allowing just one run on seven hits without a walk while picking up one strikeout.

The Panthers' lone run came in the third inning when Mike Zolper (so., Hebron ,IN/Boone Grove HS) reached on a two-out base-hit, stole second base and scored on a single by Chris Schultz (jr., Elgin, IL/Elgin CC). Zolper led the Panthers with three hits.

Both teams played excellent defense, especially in the infield, as CCSJ had the only error in the game.

"It was really fun to watch Brian pitch today," said Panther Head Coach John Weber. "He had command of three pitches and kept a good team off balance all day long. These opportunities don't come around too often, in fact it's just the third no-hitter I've seen in my 14 years of coaching," said the skipper.

It is believed to be the first no-hitter thrown by a Panther since PNC started baseball as an NAIA intercollegiate sport in 1999.

In game two junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Kalamazoo Valley CC) allowed just three hits in another complete game while picking up his first win as a Panther.

Young (1-0) struck out four while walking one and faced just four batters over the minimum. He allowed two hits in the first inning and a harmless single in the fifth inning the rest of the game.

The Panthers picked up seven hits again, and scored all their runs with two outs. Zolper had another solid game with two hits, two RBI and a stolen base. Jake Pierce (sr., Crown Point, IN /Vincennes JC) added two hits, including a double and an RBI while Schultz hit his fourth homer of the year in the first inning.

Senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL/St. Ignatius HS) added a clutch two-run single in the third inning for PNC and Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN/Mt. Carmel HS) contributed an RBI single in the fourth.

The Panthers play again on Sunday when they travel to Chicago to take on Illinois Institute of Technology in another CCAC doubleheader. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a doubleheader verses Olivet Nazarene University Tuesday afternoon in Bourbonnais, IL. The Panthers won game one 13-6 before falling 12-3 in the nightcap. PNC is now 7-11 overall and 3-1 in conference action while the Tigers moved to 11-7 and 1-1.

In the first game the Panthers used an offensive explosion, collecting 18 hits and scoring 11 runs over the final three innings to rally from a 5-2 deficit. PNC scored single runs in the first, fourth and seventh innings, two runs in the sixth inning and a decisive eight runs in the fifth inning. Olivet, currently ranked sixth in Region VII of the NAIA, tallied three runs in the first and one each in the second, fourth and seventh innings.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) picked up his first win of the season for the Panthers, allowing five runs (one earned) on six hits and a walk while collecting five strikeouts. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) pitched the final three innings for his fourth save of the year. Albano allowed one run, two hits and a walk while striking out two.

Several players had big games for the Panthers. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN /Vincennes CC), freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) and senior Chris Stocker (Chicago, IL /St. Ignatius HS) all had three hits apiece. Zambrano added a double, four RBI's, and two runs, Pierce a triple, three runs, two stolen bases a walk and an RBI and Stocker a double, one run and an RBI.

Junior Jeremy Morton (Henderson, KY /Elgin CC), sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) and junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added two hits each. Morton contributed a double, while Dickerson and Schultz drove in two runs apiece.

In game two the Tigers used a late explosion, scoring seven runs in the sixth inning to open up a 5-3 contest.

Starting pitcher Scott Marks (sr., Watervliet, MI /Berrien Springs HS) took the loss for PNC, falling to 1-1. He allowed three runs on one hit and three walks in one inning of work.

Sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN/Chesterton HS) allowed two runs in 3.1 innings of relief before Albano gave up six runs in one inning of work. Senior John Lackinger (Elk Grove Village, IL /Conant HS) allowed one run in two-thirds of an inning to finish the game for PNC.

The Panthers picked up just six hits in game two, including two by Schultz (HR, 2B, 2 RBI) and Dickerson (3B, RBI) and a double by Pierce.

The Panthers scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings while Olivet scored four in the second, and one in the fifth to go along with their seven runs in the sixth.

The Panthers play again this Saturday when they host Calumet College of St. Joseph in another CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The PNC baseball team swept their Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and home opener with 10-0 and 7-3 victories over Robert Morris College. The Panthers are now 6-10 overall and 2-0 in conference play while the Eagles fell to 2-9 and 0-2.

In game one the Panthers scored two runs each in the first, second and sixth innings and four in the fifth to win by the 10-run rule.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) led the way with two homeruns, a double, three runs and five RBI. Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN/Boone Grove HS) added three hits, including two doubles, two runs and an RBI, while senior Chris Stocker (Chicago/St. Ignatius HS) drove in two runs.

Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) added a hit, a walk, and two runs while sophomore Adam Kennedy (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) contributed a run-scoring double.

The winning pitcher was junior Ryan Curless (LaPorte, IN/New Prairie HS) who allowed two hits and four walks while striking out three. Senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN /Valparaiso HS) also pitched three innings and gave up one hit and three walks while punching out one.

In game two senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memorial HS) moved his record to 3-1 with a complete game effort. Phillips allowed all three runs in the sixth inning and gave up six hits overall while striking out five.

Offensively, Kennedy picked up three RBI and four players picked up two hits apiece for PNC including Schultz, Stocker, junior John Selman (Kouts, IN/Kouts HS) and freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS). Schultz and Stocker each had doubles and Stocker added two RBI and a walk.

The Panthers scored three runs apiece in the second and third innings and added one in the fifth.

Purdue North Central will play again on Tuesday when they travel to Illinois to take on Olivet Nazarene in another CCAC doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to the University of Illinois-Chicago (NCAA, Division I) Wednesday evening in Chicago by the scores of 9-7 and 6-3. The Panthers fell to 4-10 overall while the defending six-time Horizon League Champion Flames improved to 7-7.

In game one the Panthers fell behind 4-0 after one inning of play but kept chipping away and almost pulled out the victory. The Flames scored four in the first inning, two in the third, one in the fourth and two in the seventh. PNC responded with one each in the second and third innings, two in the sixth and three in the seventh that tied the game.

Sophomore starter Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton, HS) allowed seven runs (three earned) on 11 hits in five innings of work.

Junior Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) pitched a scoreless sixth while senior Jon Charlson (Valparaiso, IN /Valparaiso HS) took the loss giving up two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk in one-third of an inning. Senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) completed the game with 1.2 innings of two-hit, scoreless relief.

Sophomore Mike Zolper (Hebron, IN /Boone Grove HS) led the offensive attack with three hits, including a solo homerun and added three runs. Junior Jeremy Morton (Henderson, KY /DeKalb HS) added two hits (triple) and three RBI while junior Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) added a run-scoring triple. Senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) contributed a run-scoring single and a stolen base.

Zolper added two outfield assists, throwing out a runner at the plate and at second base but the Panthers couldn't overcome two costly errors. PNC gave up just four earned runs overall.

In game two UIC jumped out to another 4-0 lead after one inning of play as PNC's defense faltered again. UIC added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings as every run was unearned. PNC scored one run in the fourth and two in the fifth for the final 6-3 score.

Junior Chris Schultz (Elgin, IL /Elgin CC) took the loss after allowing four runs (none earned) on two hits and a walk while striking out one.

Junior Ryan Curless (LaPorte, IN/New Prairie HS) struck out three in two scoreless innings and senior Brian Phillips (Elkhart, IN /Elkhart Memorial HS) gave up two unearned runs on two hits in two innings. Junior Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Schoolcraft HS/Kalamazoo Valley CC) pitched two scoreless innings and senior Scott Marks (Watervliet, MI /Berrien Springs HS) ended the game with a scoreless inning.

The Panthers mustered six hits with Schultz picking up two and adding an RBI. Pierce added a run-scoring single and Shaffer an RBI groundout.

PNC plays again when they host Ashford University (IA) in their home opener on Friday at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team flew to the Clearwater, FL area over spring break and finished 4-4 while gaining valuable game and outside practice experience.

The Panthers started the trip by defeating Eckard College, a NCAA Division II program from the difficult Sunshine State Conference by the score of 6-4. Eckard is located in Clearwater, FL.

The Panthers scored all their runs in the first inning and jumped out to a 6-0 lead. The Tritons chipped away with single runs in the third, fourth, sixth and eighth innings but could not overcome the deficit.

Senior Brian Phillips (1-1) earned the win for PNC, giving up three runs (two earned) on 10 hits while walking one and striking out two in six innings of work. Senior Jon Charlson came for a hold and allowed one run on one hit and a walk in one inning. Finally, senior Tom Albano pitched the last two inning for his first save of the year. Albano allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one.

The Panthers were out-hit 11-5 but took advantage of two walks and four hit batters in the first inning. Five different players had RBI's for PNC, as sophomore Mike Zolper was the only Panther with multiple hits. Senior Chris Stocker had a double for PNC.

The Panthers lost their second game of the trip by the score of 5-4 to Salem State (MA) at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater. The stadium is the old spring training sight for the Philadelphia Phillies.

This time PNC out-hit their opponent 12-8 but Salem State was able to take advantage of their opportunities while the Panthers left 12 men on base.

Junior Casey Young started for PNC and gave up two runs in three innings of work on four hits and two walks while striking out three. Junior Andrew Dahman came on in relief and took the loss. He allowed three runs on four hits also in three innings. Senior John Lackinger pitched the final two innings without allowing a base runner.

Stocker led the offense with four hits, including a homerun and a double while driving in two runs. Senior John Shaffer added three hits, including a double. Sophomore Adam Kennedy reached three times on a hit and two walks.

A late rally by PNC fell just short as the Panthers ended the game with the bases loaded.

The third game of the trip saw the Panthers fall to 1-6 after dropping a close game to host Warner Southern, a nationally ranked NAIA program in Lake Wales, FL.

PNC jumped out to a 5-0 lead after scoring five runs in the third inning. Warner Southern answered with five runs in the fourth inning and added one run in the fifth. The Panthers tied the game in the eighth before the Royals scored the decisive three runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Junior Ryan Curless started for PNC and was strong through three innings but could not escape the difficult fourth inning. Senior Scott Marks gave up one run through the next two innings before Albano gave up the final three runs (two earned) in 1.2 innings of work. Charlson came on and recorded the final out for the Panthers.

The PNC offense managed just six hits with four in the third inning wrapped around a hit batter. Junior Dave Dickerson was the only Panther with two hits, Stocker added two RBI and Zolper had the only extra base-hit for PNC with a double.

In game four the Panthers rebounded to defeat Salem State 9-3 behind the strong pitching of sophomore Kevin Scott.

Scott allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out three in seven innings. Charlson pitched the final two innings allowing a harmless single while adding another strikeout.

The Panther offense exploded for 13 hits with five different players having two or more hits. Freshman R.J. Zambrano led the way with three singles, two runs and two stolen bases.

Senior Jake Pierce, Shaffer, junior John Selman and junior Jeremy Morton had two hits apiece with Shaffer, Selman and Morton contributing doubles. Shaffer led the way with four RBI and Morton added two.

The game was tied at three through five innings before PNC scored six runs over the next three innings to take control of the game.

PNC's offense remained hot in the fifth game as they trounced Southern Virginia University 13-8 behind 14 more hits.

Junior Chris Schultz led the Panthers with four hits, including a triple, double and three RBI. Zambrano added three more knocks and two RBI while Selman also had three hits, three runs and two stolen bases. Dickerson added a double and Kennedy and junior Chris Cappello drove in two runs apiece. Cappello reached base four times on a hit and three walks.

Schultz was also the winning pitcher, giving up three runs on three hits and six walks while striking out six in five innings of work. Sophomore Jesse Cartagena gave up three runs on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning before Albano closed the game out. Albano gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out two in 3.2 innings.

PNC had a 9-0 lead and almost won on the ten-run rule before Southern Virginia rallied for six runs in the sixth inning. The Panthers added one run in the sixth and three more in the eighth before Southern Virginia added two more in the ninth.

In game six the Panthers lost an extra inning game to Dordt College (IA) by the score of 7-6.

The Panthers jumped out to a 4-0 lead through three innings of play but Dordt responded to take a 6-5 lead heading into the seventh. The Panthers forced extra innings with one run in the bottom of the seventh but Dordt pushed the winning run across in the top of the ninth inning.

Dordt out-hit PNC 15-7 as both teams struggled in the field with four errors apiece.

Phillips gave up five runs (just one earned) in five innings of work on 10 hits while striking out two. Charlson allowed one run on two hits in one inning before Albano took the loss, giving up one run in three innings.

Stocker led the Panthers with two doubles and two RBI while sophomore Mark Myszkowski added two more RBI.

The Panthers rebounded in game seven to defeat Dordt 6-4.

Marks started the game for PNC and allowed three runs (zero earned) in 4.2 innings of work on seven hits. Lackinger pitched one inning in relief and gave up one run on two walks and a hit. Albano secured the victory by picking up the save with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball.

Both teams pounded out nine hits with Schultz leading the way with three, including a triple and an RBI. Freshman Nate Hall added two singles and Dickerson contributed two RBI and a stolen base.

The Panthers held a 4-0 lead entering the fifth before Dordt scored three runs in the fifth inning. PNC added two in the sixth and Dordt one in the sixth for the final score.

In the eighth and final game of the trip the Panthers fell 6-3 to Webber International, a top ranked NAIA program in Babson Park , FL.

Curless started again for PNC and gave up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two in four innings. Young pitched the next three innings and gave up one unearned run on five singles and a walk. Dahman pitched a scoreless inning for PNC allowing just a single.

Schultz led the offense with two hits and two RBI, including a double, and reached a third time after getting hit by a pitch. Selman added two hits and an RBI while Kennedy also had two hits, including a double.

Webber International out-hit the Panthers 12-9 and both teams committed four errors.

The game was tight throughout as the Panthers trailed 4-3 through five innings before Webber International added two insurance runs.

After flying home on Sunday the Panthers are scheduled to play again on Tuesday when they host Grace College in a single nine-inning game at 3 p.m.

After numerous cancellations and many phone calls to find games, the Purdue North Central baseball team finally opened their season in Columbia, Kentucky. The Panthers dropped four games overall, two each to host Lindsey Wilson College and to 12th ranked Ohio Dominican.

"It was an opportunity to let everyone get some game experience and start planning for the rest of the season," said head coach John Weber. "We believe we have a chance to be very successful and we know all of our team, from starters to role players, will need to be ready to help us reach our goals."

The Panthers lost the first game Saturday morning to Lindsey Wilson 8-3.

PNC jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first but didn't score again as the Blue Raiders scored two runs in the third inning and six in the fourth for the difference.

Juniors Dave Dickerson (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS) and John Selman ( Kouts, IN /Kouts HS) led the way with two hits apiece. Selman had a triple and an RBI and Dickerson added a walk. Senior John Shaffer (Valparaiso, IN/Chesterton, IN) had an RBI single as did sophomore Mark Myszkowski (St. John, IN /Hanover Central HS).

Senior Brian Phillips moved to 0-1 after allowing all eight runs on 13 hits while striking out two in five innings. Sophomore Jesse Cartagena (Lafayette, IN /Jefferson HS) pitched a scoreless inning for the Panthers.

In Saturday's second game the Panthers fell 8-4 to Ohio Dominican.

Ohio Dominican (also the Panthers) scored five runs in the second inning, two in the third and one in the seventh. PNC countered with two in the second and one each in the fifth and seventh innings.

Junior Ryan Curless (LaPorte, IN/New Prairie HS) started for Purdue North Central and went four innings, allowing seven runs on six hits while striking out five in getting saddled with the loss. Senior Scott Marks (Watervliet, MI/Berrien Springs, MI) pitched the final three innings and and gave up one run on three hits.

PNC had seven hits overall, including three by senior Jake Pierce (Crown Point, IN/Crown Point HS/Vincennes CC) who had a double and an RBI. Freshman R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville, IN/Merrillville HS) added two hits (double), two runs, two RBI and a stolen base.

On Sunday the Panthers dropped two more games to the same opponents.

In game one, PNC fell 12-7 to Lindsey Wilson, with the big inning hurting them once again.

The Panthers scored two runs in the first and fourth innings and three in the third but gave up two in the first, a whopping nine in the third and one in the fourth.

Junior pitcher Casey Young (Schoolcraft, MI /Schoolcraft HS/Kalamazoo CC) made his first start for Purdue North Central and gave up eight runs (four earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out one in absorbing the loss.

Senior John Lackinger (Elk Grove Village, IL/Conant HS) relieved and gave up four runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

Finally, senior Tom Albano (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) made his first appearance of the year, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two in 1.2 innings.

The Panthers knocked out 10 hits but couldn't overcome their four errors and 12 hits by Lindsey Wilson. Selman led the way with three hits, including a double, and two runs while Shaffer added a three-run homer.

Dickerson contributed a two-run single, Pierce added two more hits, an RBI and two runs and freshman John Bugajski (Munster, IN/Munster HS) socked a run-scoring double.

PNC concluded the weekend with a 5-4 defeat at the hands of Ohio Dominican.

Purdue North Central jumped out to another early lead with three runs in the first inning but added just one more in the sixth. Ohio Dominican scored one in the first and two each in the third and fifth innings.

Junior Andrew Dahman (Fremont, IN /Fremont HS) started and gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one. Sophomore Kevin Scott (Chesterton, IN /Chesterton HS) took the loss, allowing two runs on one hit and four walks while striking out one in two innings of work. Albano came on and gave up one hit and picked up another strikeout in 1.1 innings.

PNC managed just five hits and were led by Shaffer with another three-run homer. Myszkowski added two hits and a stolen base while freshman Gibson Daniel (Mooresville, IN/Mooresville HS) contributed an RBI double.

The Panthers (0-4) play again on Monday, March 10 th against Eckard College in Clearwater, FL in their first game of their annual 10-day spring trip.

The Purdue North Central baseball team enters the 2008 season with a combination of high expectations and many question marks.

The Panthers graduated their entire infield from 2007 and two of their top three pitchers in innings pitched. Gone are shortstop Steve Hudson, second baseman Chad Pierce, third baseman Tony Popov, first baseman Steve Georgion and pitchers Shaun Kuhns, Josh Earegood and Lance Losinski.

Hudson (.385, 3 HR's, 9 2B's, 52 hits, 14 SB's) and Georgion (.380, 7 HR's, 38 RBI, 13 2B's, 4 3B's, 65 hits, 10 SB, First Team All-CCAC) both signed professional contracts with the independent Slippery Rock Sliders of the Frontier League.

Pierce finished at .314 with one HR and 25 RBI, despite missing 11 games due to injury. Popov broke his wrist midway through the year and finished at .288 with 3 HR's in 29 games.

Kuhns led last year's staff with a 6-4 record in 73.2 innings pitched. Earegood was third on the team with 45.1 innings pitched while finishing 1-5. Losinski, the team's top starter two years ago, finished 0-2 with just 13 innings pitched after breaking his leg in the fall.

The Panthers will look to several newcomers to step up to fill the infield void. Returner John Selman (Kouts, IN., .358, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 12 2B's 12 SB) will start at shortstop after playing a utility role the last two season for PNC.

Senior transfer John Shaffer ( Valparaiso , IN ) looks to start the year at third base and can play three positions in the infield. The Panthers also look to insert his bat in the middle of the line-up.

Second base has a healthy competition between several candidates, including junior Chris Cappello (Whiting, IN., .243, 7 SB), and freshmen R.J. Zambrano ( Merrillville , IN ) and Nate Hall. All three are versatile and can play anywhere in the infield.

Junior college transfer Chris Schultz (Elgin CC) leads the way at first base with senior Chris Stocker (.345, 8 HR's, 41 RBI, 9 2B's) and sophomore Jay McCauley backing Schultz up when he pitches. Stocker, the Panthers' starting catcher the past three seasons, is battling injuries and will see time at catcher and designated hitter if healthy.

The outfield situation is a little more stable with several returning players led by senior centerfielder Jake Pierce. Pierce was First Team All Conference after hitting .359 with 1 HR, 10 2B's and 15 SB's. He also was the Gold Glove winner for his position in the conference after finishing with 118 putouts and five assists while not committing an error.

Junior outfielder Dave Dickerson will return in right field and looks to improve upon his 2007 numbers (.226, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 9 SB's).

Sophomore Mike Zolper (.352, 19 for 54) and senior Nestor Allende (.289, 24 for 82, 3 HR, 7 2B's), two solid performers from last year expect to battle it out in leftfield. Both may see time at DH when not in the field.

The catching situation is solid as the Panthers return two veterans in Stocker and sophomore Adam Kennedy (.235, 20 for 85, 3 2B's, 2 3B's). Sophomore Mark Myszkowski (.360, 9 for 25) will add depth to the position.

Myszkowski and junior college transfer Jeremy Morton are two players who are expected to play everywhere on the field for the Panthers. Both will see time in the infield and outfield and both possess strong arms.

Newcomers expected to add to the mix will be freshmen outfielders John Bugajski and Shane Breitzke, and freshmen infielders Gibson Daniel and Evan Walter. Bugajski is a solid athlete while Daniels shows a quick bat. Breitzke and Walter are trying to prove themselves after transferring in at semester break.

On the mound, several Panthers are looking to build upon last year's experience and take the next step in the pitching progression.

PNC will look to senior Brian Phillips (5-5, 4.22 ERA, 70.1 IP) to lead the starters and seniors Tom Albano (4-0, 7 saves, 1.88 ERA, 31 K's, 28.1 IP, Honorable Mention All-American) and Jon Charlson (1-2, 2 saves, 24 IP) out of the pen.

Other returners expected to make significant contributions include junior Andrew Dahman (4-1, 2.79 ERA, 38.2 IP), senior Scott Marks (4-2, 5.22 ERA, 29.1 IP), sophomore Kevin Scott (3-0, 26 IP), sophomore Jesse Cartagena (0-0, 2 IP), senior John Lackinger and junior Ryan Curless.

Lackinger and Curless are returning from injuries and the Panthers are expecting Lackinger to be effective out of the pen and Curless to be a top starter.

Top newcomers expected to start for PNC include Schultz and junior college transfer Casey Young (Kalamazoo Valley CC). Rounding out the staff is junior Dan McCauley, recovering from an injury, and freshman Josh Butts.

The Panthers have improved gradually the last three years under fourth-year head coach John Weber, finishing 18-23-1 and 8-12 (CCAC) in 2005, 32-20 and 11-9 in 2006 and 28-22 and 13-7 in 2007. PNC has moved from 8 th to 5 th to t-2 nd in conference during this time.

Weber's staff will be completed by first year assistants Steve Plucinski and Dan Martin with contributions from veteran assistant Chet Ebner.

The Panthers have a difficult schedule in hopes it will prepare them for the always difficult Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. After their first weekend series in Kentucky was cancelled due to weather, the Panthers will open their season verses Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY and also take on 12 th ranked Ohio Dominican University in a three way competition starting March 1st .

The Panthers will then fly to Clearwater , Florida and take on three Florida teams and several strong northern programs also on their spring trip.

PNC returns home and will take on Grace College in their home opener on 18 th , travel to Division I opponent University of Illinois Chicago on March 19 th and open conference play verses Robert Morris on March 22nd.

The Purdue North Central baseball and softball teams enjoyed two successful days of ringing the bell and collecting donations for the Salvation Army on Thursday, Dec. 6 th and Friday Dec. 7 th outside of the Walmart in Valparaiso .

Braving single digit temperatures, the student-athletes did so well that the Salvation Army had to come by and replace their overflowing kettles.

The Panthers rang the bell for 13 hours each day (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) as numerous players rotated shifts with the assistance of athletic director/baseball coach John Weber and softball coach Jeff Boardman.

"We had two to four people per shift which attracted more attention and allowed us to really do something positive for the community," said Weber. "So many people have done so much for us and it's important to give back."

Through the years the Panther student-athletes and coaches have done numerous community projects in addition to their responsibilities of academics, work, and team requirements. However, most of their projects are not brought to the public's attention because they don't do them for that reason.

"I want people to be aware of some of the positive things that our PNC students do," said Weber. "Many of the activities our students do are truly remarkable."

The 38 student-athletes that assisted were: (baseball) Dave Dickerson, Gibson Daniel, Adam Kennedy, John Selman, Tom Albano, John Lackinger, Andrew Dahman, Jay Mc Cauley, John Schaffer, Nate Hall, Bryan Stanley, Ryan Curless, Dan Mc Cauley, Jon Charlson, Chris Cappello, Kevin Scott, John Bugajski, and Jeremy Morton (softball) Valorie Minyard, Kate Golden, Alyssa Duncan, Melissa Carson, Jessica Frucci, Julie Farmer, Bethany Toyias, Betsy Maher, Stephanie Zaharias, Danielle Burdine, Alissa Whitaker, Erin Foust and Tracy Markwell, Daisy Lee, Anna Stephens. Several students worked two shifts including: (baseball) Sean Baker, R.J. Zambrano, Mark Myszkowski, Chris Schultz and (softball) Christina Caldwell.

The Purdue North Central baseball and softball teams will be ringing the bell and collecting donations for the Salvation Army on Thursday, Dec. 6th and Friday Dec. 7th outside of the Walmart in Valparaiso (clothing side).

The Panthers will ring the bell for 13 hours each day with players and coaches rotating shifts. They will start at 8 a.m. each morning and conclude at 9 p.m. each night.

"It's an opportunity for us to help others and do something positive for the community," said PNC Athletic Director John Weber. "Many people have done so much for us and it's important to pay it forward."

Through the years the Panther student-athletes and coaches have done numerous community projects in addition to their responsibilities of academics, work, and team requirements. However, most of their projects are not brought to the public's attention because they don't do them for that reason.

"So many times nowadays people focus on the negative," said Weber. "I want people to be aware of some of the positive things that happen too, specifically with our PNC students. Many of the activities our students do are truly remarkable."