The Polar Bears posted their third consecutive winning season as they went 21-16 in 2016 and went 9-9 in the OAC.

Over the last three seasons, Northern has recorded a school-record 79 victories in that time span.

"We really want to compete this season," said head coach Gene Stechschulte. "These guys have been working hard this offseason and we think we can compete at a very high level this season."

Schedule

The Polar Bears will open the season on Mar. 4 as they compete in the RussMatt Invitational in Auburndale, Fla. from Mar. 4-11.

Northern will return to and open the home portion of the schedule at Wander Field on Mar. 14 as they host area-rival Bluffton.

ONU will then play a 3-game series at Thomas More (Ky.) on Mar. 17-18 before traveling to Trine (Ind.) on Mar. 21.

Other non-conference action will feature home contests with Anderson (Ind.) on Mar. 22 and Denison on Mar. 28, Wittenberg on Apr. 5, a double-header with Kalamazoo (Mich.) on Apr. 25, and Ohio Wesleyan on May 3.

Northern will also travel to non-conference foe Defiance on Mar. 29.

Ohio Athletic Conference play will start on Mar. 25 as Northern welcomes Otterbein to Wander Field for a double-header.

The Polar Bears will host double-headers with Mount Union on Apr. 8, Muskingum on Apr. 14, and Capital on Apr. 29.

The schedule will feature double-header action at John Carroll on Apr. 1, Wilmington on Apr. 11, Baldwin Wallace on Apr. 19, Heidelberg on Apr. 22, and Marietta on May 6.

"We have plenty of depth and experience on this team," said Stechschulte. "Our hitting has been better so far this preseason which is a good sign. We need our upperclassmen to play well this year. If those guys can play well we will have a good shot at competing at a high level."