The Wildcats are 6-8 in overall competition, but 0-0 where it counts, in conference. NMU opens the conference portion of the 2002 season with a trip to Flint to play conference newcomer Kettering.

"We've seen them before," Manager Rob Preseau said. "All the teams in the conference have scheduled at least a few games against them and Bay de Noc in the past few years in anticipation of them joining, so there is nothing that will surprise us about them."

NMU beat Kettering 9-0 in Marquette in April before losing both ends of a doubleheader in Flint by scores of 10-0 and 15-13. NMU is 20-12 all time against the Engineers. The teams just missed being conference rivals nearly 80 years ago. NMU left the Michigan-Ohio Conference to join the Iron Range Conference in 1923 and Kettering joined the MOC two years later after being an independent.

THIS WEEK: All games Saturday doubleheaders beginning at 1:30 pm and Sunday Doubleheaders beginning at 11 am. NMU @ Kettering Michigan Tech @ Lake Superior State Bay de Noc @ Finlandia Indianapolis @ Ferris State

CATCHER STILL NEEDED? NMU Catcher Dave Vincent disappeared during the road trip to California and has not been seen or heard from since. Preseau reiterates that Kyle Flak will start as catcher for the time being, until Vincent is found.

"We'd like to have a backup however," he said. "It is unfair to expect a freshman like Kyle, detirmined though he is, to start every day." Matt Honold and T.J. Kneebone have practiced behind the plate and are expected to see some game action in the near future.

TURISTRANICH EXPRESS: Freshman pitcher Alexandre Kavelenkovich is having a brilliant start to the season. His 0.41 ERA in three appearances is the second best in Division II. "He's got great stuff," Flak said. "He really knows how to fool a hitter." Kavelenkovich has given up just one run in 22 innings of work this year. He has a record of 2-0 with a no decision.