Feb. 20, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Let's try this again. Northwestern heads to a warm climate for the second straight weekend, this time to play in the 18th annual Coca-Cola Classic in Mobile, Ala., hosted by the University of South Alabama. The Wildcats are slated to play one game per day against Southern Miss, South Alabama and St. John's, starting at 2:30 p.m. Friday against Southern Miss. Barring any inclement weather, which cut that number of games played from five to two in Arizona, the 'Cats (2-0) are focused on continuing what they started last weekend.
Also this weekend, head coach Paul Stevens goes for his 400th win as the Wildcat skipper. Already the winningest coach in NU history, Stevens' record stands at 399-431-4. Stevens has guided NU to two of the last three Big Ten postseason tournaments and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1995. Coincidentally, as a student-athlete, Stevens played for South Alabama-NU's Saturday opponent-for two years before transferring to Lewis (Ill.).
After having last weekend's first two days of play suspended because of rain, NU won games against Missouri (5-3) and Brigham Young (1-0).
Eric Roeder (Onsted, Mich./Onsted) came up big for the 'Cats in the two wins, batting .600 for the weekend and recording a .714 on-base percentage. Roeder fouled off four pitches before driving home the winning run in the 1-0 win shutout of BYU. Dan Konecny (Ripon, Wis./Ripon) pitched seven scoreless innings against the Cougars, scattering four hits. For their efforts, Roeder garnered Big Ten Player of the Week honors and Konecny earned Big Ten Pitcher of the Week accolades.
"It's nice to see that the hard work pays off," said Stevens. "It's good for our guys to come full circle and get some wins, but there is still a lot of work to be done."
The 'Cats start with Southern Miss, which has won its last three games, including a 13-1 win against New Orleans its last time out. The Golden Eagles have been particularly productive late in ball games, outscoring their opponents 11-0 in the ninth inning.
South Alabama broke through with its first win of the season its last outing, upending No. 16 Auburn, 17-3. USA had dropped its first four contests, three of which were against No. 9 Southern California.
Northwestern rounds out the weekend against St. John's on Sunday. The Red Storm have yet to play but return a lot of experience; they have nine of their 12 pitchers back from last season and six of eight starters back in the field.
"These teams are very scrappy," Stevens said. "They're going to keep coming at you. They'll keep us on our toes. But, like always, if we pitch well and play good defense we'll be fine."
Friday, Feb. 21
Southern Miss. vs. Northwestern 2:30 p.m.
South Alabama vs. St. John's 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22
South Alabama vs. Northwestern 2:30 p.m.
Southern Miss vs. St. John's 6 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 23
St. John's vs. Northwestern 11 a.m.
South Alabama vs. Southern Miss 2:30 p.m.