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The Bearcats opened the 2012 season with an impressive 10-2 win over Clark University at Chain O' Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Florida. 

With every player hitting safely, Saint Vincent pounded out 17 hits, led by Mike Hustava who contributed two doubles and Joey Fearer who went 3-for-5 on the day. 

The Bearcats started early, scoring four times on five hits in the second as they sent eight hitters to the plate to break on top.  After Hustava doubled, Erik Fichter, who drove in four runs on the day, singled, followed by a single by Joe Fearer.

Base hits by AJ Kavinsky and Brad Burkardt contributed to the big inning by SVC, and after two innings the Bearcats were on their way with a 4-0 lead. 

Gary Gerhardt faced the minimum nine batters through the first three with the help of a couple pickoffs in the first two innings, then sent the Cougars down one-two-three in the third.

Clark threatened in the sixth when they scored a pair of runs to cut the Bearcat lead to 4-2.  In the top of the seventh Saint Vincent scored two more as Jack Shaffer and Steve Bayko doubled and singled respectively. 

Those hits sandwiched around a Hustava walk added two to the Bearcat advantage, and the team went on to add four more for insurance to get to the big ten run outburst in the team's opener. 

Gerhardt was solid throughout, and with strong relief work from Jeremy Mains, the Bearcats had their first victory in as many starts on the new season.

The windy conditions made fly balls and pop flies somewhat of an adventure for both teams, but in general the Bearcats handled the situation better as the Cougars from Clark U., who misplayed several balls that led to problems.  Gerhardt completed seven strong innings for Saint Vincent to earn the win.  The loss went to Adam LeBlanc from Clark.

SVC returns to action on Monday at 12Noon, facing Trine University.  The game will be broadcast live on the SVC Sports Network.