(February 7, 2026) McAlester, Oklahoma - After mother nature prevented the Bucks from opening their season at home last weekend, the season began this afternoon at Mike Deak Field, home to McAlester High School. The Bucks and North Iowa Area Community College were supposed to play a 3-game series at Union Bank Field, but the field is still drying out from last week's weather. Last season, NIACC traveled to UARM where the Bucks got a 10-0 mid-week win.

The day started with a run-rule win for the Trojans, where the Bucks only mustered 3 hits in the game and scored 6 runs. The second game of the day mirrored the first game, except UARM was able to come out on top 18-7 in five innings to start the season 1-1.

In the win, the men had 12 extra base hits: 7 doubles and 5 home runs. Aiden Poirier (Richmond, TX) took advantage of his first two collegiate at-bats and went deep both times for his first and second home runs of his career. He also would drive in 5 runs in the game. Transfer Ben Welch (Coppell, TX) produced the most runs in the game with 6 RBIs on 3 hits, include a home run to right field. Transfers Andrew Stancin (Fernandina, FL) and Geovani Escandon (Plantation, FL) also took the Trojans deep in the contest. Ethan Miller (Hallsville, TX) hit a pair doubles and drove in 4 runs.

On the mound, Preston Thomas (Hallsville, TX) came on in relief to pitch the third and fourth innings. Thomas (1-0) picked up his first collegiate win giving up 3 runs on 1 hit, while striking out and walking a pair.

The Bucks and Trojans will decide the series tomorrow afternoon in McAlester. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm.

#DefendTheMountain