The veteran Cougars, returning 12 players this season, proved too strong for the young Seahawks in a season-opening 6-1 loss.  The 'Hawks kept the game close until giving up 3 runs in the top of the sixth inning that featured a perfectly executed squeeze play. 

However, that's not to say that that all of the highlights belonged to the opponents.  Freshman Scott Mitchell started on the mound and acquitted himself very well over five innings.  Mitchell struck out 5 and only surrendered 4 earned runs.  Freshman Connor Cox relieved Mitchell in the top of the sixth and finished up the game, giving up only 1 hit and walking 2.  Cox also had two of the three 'Hawk hits in his three trips to the plate.   Senior Nick Whiting had a double for the only Seahawk extra-base hit.  Senior Captain Kevin Loftis moved behind the plate this season and threw out consecutive Cougars attempting to steal in the 7th inning.