The Spartans are still hoping for the warm summer sun from their tournament in Florida to follow them up to Cleveland.

Following two strong wins on Saturday, the Spartans had the second day of their four game series against Ohio Wesleyan postponed and then had their Wednesday doubleheader against Heidelberg pushed to Thursday, after The Observer went to print.

The Spartans continue to bring in accolades as they climbed to 21st in the nation and had a player named to the national team for the fourth week in a row. Catcher Jordan Swisher was named to the national team for the second time this year as well as being named UAA hitter of the week.

Swisher collected five hits on Saturday in the first of the two scheduled doubleheaders. Second baseman Kerrigan Cain added five more as the Spartans added the 6-3 and 13-8 victories to the program’s best start in history. The Spartans’ bats continue to be explosive as they combined for 24 hits and 19 runs in 18 innings. Noah Sherman and Andrew Gronski, week-to-week leaders of the Spartans’ offense added hits of their own, and both Gronski and Zach Tobias sent long balls over the fence.

The Spartans’ pitching staff continued to dominate on the mound as John Fortunato picked up his third win of the season in the opening game, and is currently 3-0. Kevin Johnstone picked up his second win of the season as well, helped by the offense as he allowed eight runs in his five and third innings on the mound but still managed to strike out nine.

The Spartans are well prepared for the challenges of a long season, and are obviously itching for the chance to play consistently. In sitting down with head coach Matt Englander, the strong positive team atmosphere is evident. The team’s game-by-game mentality is holding off the lingering winter blues, and is prepared for the toil of a compacted spring season.

With a UAA championship already in the bag, the focus for the Spartans remains on their single goal: Compete for a national championship. The way this team is playing, they certainly have a shot.

The Spartans are gearing up for their home opener on Saturday at noon followed by the second game of the double header at 3 p.m.