April 1, 2017- Looking to get things going after a rigorous non-conference schedule, the Concordia-Chicago Cougars began their Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference title defense today when they welcomed the Marian University Sabers to River Forest. The games were originally scheduled to be played at Marian, so CUC batted as the away team in both games. The Cougars began their title defense in grand fashion today, ripping off 25 hits, and scoring 26 runs in route too two wins over Marian.
 
"We needed it, we've been struggling a little bit, and it been because of a lack of confidence," remarked Head Coach Mike Stawski following the double header. "You saw as the runs came on today, we say everything is contagious both hitting and base running. We then on the pitching side fed off the starts by Brian and Keaton today."
 
A pitcher dual commenced over the first four innings of game one. Both teams were trying to get things going offensively. It was CUC who got things going with a crooked number in the top of the fifth, scoring all of their runs with two out. Doug Matthews got things started ripping a first pitch double off the base of the wall in left center. He was brought home for the first run of the game when Kevin Garcia singled through the left side. An error put two on for the Cougars' hottest hitter Bryan VanDuser. He singled through the left side bringing home two more Cougars to make it 3-0. A second error allowed VanDuser and Joe Silva to score following a walk to cap off the five-run inning.
 
Keaton Conner continued to dominate on the mound for CUC not allowing a run until the bottom of the seventh inning. In the meantime, the Cougar offense added three more in the top of the seventh on free passes. Brent Spohr was hit by a pitch to force one home, then Mitch Wilson and Brady Robertsdrew walks that brought home runs to extend the Cougar lead to 8-0. Marian brought their only run of the day in, bringing a leadoff double around to score.
 
CUC continued to get the bats rolling in the top of the eighth. Back-to-back singles by VanDuser and Brendan Klein put two aboard with one out. Later in the inning with two outs and the bases loaded, Wilson doubled to center scoring two, making it 10-1 CUC.
 
Conner dazzled for seven innings on the mound, going seven strong innings, scattering five hits, allowing just one run while striking out eight. Adam Schmitt and Matt McTague then worked the final two innings to secure the game one 10-1 victory.
 
In game two, CUC jumped out quickly in the top of the first with a one out homerun to right field. Marian though was not going to let the Cougars run away with it, getting two runs in the bottom of the first, on a double and a sac fly. CUC then retook the lead in the top of the third. After Klein drew a one out walk, VanDuser doubled to left field putting runners at second and third for Silva. He again delivered with a single through the right side that scored both.

Brian Musielak got his second career start today, settling in nicely after giving up two first inning runs. The junior picked up his first win of the season, working the first five innings. He then gave way to Noah Dressler, Mike Formella and Armando Cornejo shut the door on the NACC opening sweep of Marian. In total CUC pounded out 16 hits in the game, led by VanDuser and Klein with three hits apiece.
 
When asked how the team can use this as a stepping stone for tomorrow Stawski said, "I think we are just getting started. I think the guys finally got a taste of what this thing can be. I won't have to talk those guys into playing hard tomorrow, I think they will come out ready because they got a taste of it today and want more of it tomorrow."   
 
The Cougars (10-9, 2-0 NACC) will look to keep the momentum rolling tomorrow when they welcome MSOE to River Forest. Opening pitch is set for 1:00pm for the double header.