South Bend Tribune

SCOTT DAVIDSON

Emery Petko is sure to be smiling somewhere today.

The Mishawaka softball program, built into a success story by the late Petko, is set to unveil its new facility.

The Cavemen are scheduled to host Washington in the inaugural game at Baker Park. The JV game will be played at 4:30 p.m. with the varsity game to follow.

“I wish Emery could be here to see it,’’ said Mishawaka coach Bob Egyhazi, who was an assistant under Petko. “I know he would love it. This was always a dream of his and what he was looking for for the program.’’

Petko, who was the Cavemen coach from 1989-2004, died in 2005. He turned the program into a power, going 339-115 with six NIC titles, seven sectional championships and a regional crown in 1994.

The softball fields are part of a gorgeous athletic complex which includes tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields. The Cavemen previously called Twin Branch Park home.

“Everyone in the program is excited about it,’’ Egyhazi said. “It gives the kids a sense of ownership. Having a facility like this will also help us to possibly host more tournaments during the season and the postseason.

“The people at the Parks Department, Mike Faulkner and his staff, did an absolutely wonderful job for us at Twin Branch. They went over and beyond helping us out.’’

A short ceremony will be held today prior to the first game. A formal dedication, in which the field will be named Petko Field, will be at a later date.

NIC play set to start

Conference play in the NIC, which promises to be interesting, begins today.

The marquee matchup pits Penn (4-3) against Adams (4-2) at LaSalle tonight. Other conference games have St. Joseph’s at Riley, Washington at Mishawaka and Clay at Elkhart Central. Marian opens league play at Penn April 21.

Penn, Mishawaka and Marian shared the NIC title in 2008. Each went 7-1.

Schultz provides power

Sam Schultz had a three-game stretch most players only dream about.

The Penn sophomore belted three home runs, all over the fence on the varsity field, in wins over Elkhart Memorial Thursday and Niles and Merrillville Friday. Schultz had a total of 10 RBIs.

The Penn varsity squad bounced back in a big way Saturday. The Kingsmen snapped a three-game losing streak by winning its own Spring Break Classic.

Aubrie Lane fired a no-hitter in a 16-0, five-inning victory over Lafayette Jeff. The hosts then beat Niles ace Jenna Ignowski 3-2 to highlight three victories.