Despite having practiced on the field but just one time, the Cougars opened their 2011 Spring campaign on the right foot when they shutout the visiting Mulberry Grove Aces 7-0 on Monday.

A trio of Cougar pitchers combined to blank the Aces and senior starter Derek Harmeier picked up the win by tossing the first four innings. He allowed no runs on 1 hit, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts.

Colby Bushue threw two scoreless innings, striking out three, and Shawn Meyer closed out the seventh by striking out the side.

Offensively, the Cougars were led by Bushue as he cranked out 2 doubles and a single while Fischer Tharp, Colt Wilkins, Bret Pitts, Reid Drewes, and Austin Schwarm all contributed a single apiece.

The Cougars are off until next Monday when they host the Altamont Indians at 4:30 PM.