Cougar Baseball Set to Start 2024 Season

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team is all set for the spring season and will begin with a doubleheader on February 26 in Davenport, Florida against Point Park University and Cornerstone University.

MVNU is also slated to compete against Grand View University (IA), Valley City State University (ND), and Morningside University (IA), as well as conference foe Bethel University.

Casey Kalman and Cruz McFadden, both recipients of Second Team All-Conference accolades last year, are gearing up to return for the upcoming season. The seniors' presence will be crucial in guiding this youthful team as it aims to compete in the Crossroads League in 2024.

Kalman was placed on the 2024 Crossroads League Players to Watch List after his previous season. Kalman finished 2023 with 56 hits while hitting .341 at the plate. As the team's catcher, Kalman hit six home runs, which shared the team lead. Additionally, Kalman demonstrated strong defensive prowess, boasting a fielding percentage of .983 and finishing fifth in the league with 274 putouts.

McFadden topped the charts with an NAIA leading 12 saves. Throughout the season, the pitcher permitted only 24 hits, nine earned runs, and four walks in 26 innings pitched. McFadden maintained an average of 8.65 strikeouts per nine innings pitched and held opponents to a batting average of .276. McFadden is MVNU's all-time saves leader with 37 in his career.

Zackary Hoop returns for his junior season. Hoop secured a spot on the Crossroads League Gold Glove team for the second consecutive season in 2024 at second base. Hoops strong performance in the field last season included a fielding percentage of .982 and 76 putouts. Hoop ranked fifth in the conference with 24 double plays and was 12th overall in assists, accumulating a total of 84 throughout the season.

Head Coach Keith Veale's team takes the field for the first time in 2024 at 11:45am in Davenport, Florida against Point Park on Monday, February 26.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.