FT. MYERS, Fla. - Spring training proves to be a series of tough competition for Northland as they fell 16-3 to Bluffton University on Wednesday.

The Jacks go 1-3 in spring training just a day after a confident win.  Having beaten John Carroll University, ranked #7 nationally in preseason polls based on strength of 2014 schedule on d3baseball.com, on Tuesday in a tight scoreline, the Jacks met another tough team in the Bluffton Beavers on Wednesday.

Jacob Smith (Oconomowoc, Wis./Oconomowoc HS) started out on the mound but a pitching change was made in just the second inning.  Head Coach Ernie May made the decision to rest his starting pitcher and bring in new talent Anthony Corrado (Joliet, Ill./Minooka Community HS), who pitched the majority of the game, facing 25 batters.  Freshman Michael Dieneman (Dayton, Nev./Dayton HS) was called in as the relief pitcher and closed out the game.  The Beaver's pitcher, Brad Schlabach, threw a complete game.

The Jacks are making a habit of scoring back-to-back plays this season and the scenario continued in the 5th inning with a Matt Alberino (Medford, Mass./Arlington Catholic) scoring play followed by Jakob Freele (Smartville, CA/Nevada Union HS) reaching home plate.

"Our young, talented squad is gaining experience down here in Florida", said May.  "Of course spring training is going to be tough competition and our team is still learning each other's habits and characteristics on the field.  We have 30 brand new guys and the leadership of the 9 returners has been great.  The ability to mesh it all together is coming but, as all sports, it's a process and the guys are continuing to act positively and create good energy", May continued.

The Jacks will play in Auburndale, Fla. on Thursday in a doubleheader against Clark University.  Games are set for 12:00 p.m. (EST) and 3:00 p.m. (EST).