Time to party like it is 1995?

Not quite, but the Panthers are a doubleheader sweep over McHenry County College from earning their first conference title since 1995! 

The scheduled doubleheader is set to determine who is going to win the Skyway Conference. 

At 9-3, the Panthers are currently second in conference play, trailing only McHenry by two games in the loss column. This Panther program set the record for most program wins in a season with 35 in 2011.

That was also the last time we saw the Panthers post a winning record, but the 2022 campaign has been one to remember thus far. At 25-10, we should see not only a winning season but a tremendous chance at surpassing that 35 win mark set in 2011. 

While some would expect pressure to be placed on a team, head coach Chris Wido has praised his team for taking it one game at a time. 

"Saturday is another couple of baseball games, understanding we need the focus with intensity, not trying to do too much. Go about it like two more scheduled games,'' said Wido.

The Panthers are also battling to stay in the top 8 of the Region IV Standings so they can compete in the tournament to have a shot at reaching Nationals (Oklahoma). 

"Winning conference has been one of the team goals, we set several team goals, working towards it all season long. Something our guys have been after and something we have put ourselves in a good position. All we can ask. I was around in 2011 when we fell one game short of a conference championship, saw how close we came and trying to get over the hump,'' stated Wido.

The team has shown off the tremendous defense and enough pitching to allow their hitting to feast on the pitching from the opposition.

Entering the week, the Panthers ranked 15th in average (.338), 22nd in on-base percentage (.448), and 32nd in slugging (.492). There are nearly 140 programs in the NJCAA Division II, but the Panthers have shined as well as any, offensively speaking. 

"We have really good team chemistry, do a great job to stay loose, picking each other up. If we make an error and we pick ourselves up. We have had one of the closest atmospheres since I've been here. A lot of character and makeup, says a lot we have come a long way. Practicing all fall, started in August, we have all come a long way together. Didn't happen overnight but over course of the school year, we've developed a good bond. We do a really good job, of fighting off pitches when needed. If you look at the stats, fewer strikeouts are great to see. Not afraid to take our walks. Two strike approach, putting the ball in play,'' Wido mentioned.

The baseball season is a long journey that often requires teamwork, plenty of depth and luck are factored in as well. The ability to have different players step up when they hear their names called has been pivotal throughout the season. 

"Very fortunate with no crazy injuries, it has been a team effort. Not too many guys on top of the leaderboard, but we pass it on to the next guy. It has been nice to have others step up and come in and pitch well,'' Wido said.

The infield has plenty of stars and they have deservedly received praise from opposing players and coaches, but the outfield has made the necessary plays when needed.

"The outfield at the moment is not how we drew it up at the beginning of the season. Kyle Washington came in as a shortstop and we found a spot for him in the outfield. He has picked up the position very well. Nick Tampa didn't peg as a center fielder, more of a left fielder or a designated hitter, and he has done a fantastic job. He has turned into one of our best defensive outfielders,'' Wido praised.

While the offensive production has been tremendous overall, the ability to flash the leather and rely on the defense to cut runners down on the basepaths has built up their confidence. 

"Julio Trevino and his bat get the credit but he has made nice plays, picked it well over at first. Diego has been phenomenal at third, came in here as a man without a position playing a few. But he has settled and looked really comfortable over there. Trent Lawrence is our tenth man and he does a great job being ready when his name is called, helps us out with our depth,'' Wido said.

Coach Wido couldn't speak the truth any further after Lawrence came up clutch in a Thursday start against Rockford University. The former York Duke scored five runs and had four hits on the day. The pair of doubles and runs driven in was an example of how much this team excels together.

The x-factor for the team that could determine how dominant they become down the stretch run towards their Region IV tournament matchups will be the skills that the pitching shows. 

"Our pitching staff has done a good job cutting down on the walks, it was our biggest weakness last year. It helps to trust the defense behind them. Ludovic Messier, Ruben Hurtado, and Luke Ostien, have all stepped in. A lot of guys have really provided that depth and that is what we need,'' Wido praised.

The doubleheader on the road against McHenry will be a challenge. They have been ranked for the entirety of the season thanks to their ability to get the most out of their outstanding talent.  

"McHenry is a really well-run program, a lot of that goes to their coach Jared Wacker. Player development runs a really good program. No coincidence that they are near the top of the region because of that. For us to go in there and beat them we must play good quality baseball, our brand of baseball. We need to make sure there are no free passes/walks, or errors. We will need to make the plays,'' Wido praised.

It all starts on Saturday at Noon in Crystal Lake. Trailing by two games to McHenry, a sweep in favor of Morton College would give them that coveted conference championship for the first time since 1995.