NAPPANEE – NorthWood took over where it left off last season, playing high-level baseball. After reaching the semi-state a season ago, the Panthers started off with a bang in 2018 with a 13-0 win against Westview Monday evening.

A season ago, NorthWood lost its only regular season game against the Warriors in that season opener despite NorthWood no-hitting Westview, the lone run of the game coming on a walk and some maneuvering. There was none of the nailbiting Monday as Alec Holcomb was on fire on the mound and had plenty of help at the plate.

Holcomb allowed just two singles and walked no one, striking out seven in the process.

At the plate, NorthWood got their runs in bunches. Payton Bear and Jaden Miller both hit grand slams in the third inning, Matt Dutkowski doubled twice and scored two runs, Sawyer Warren reached base four times and scored three times, and Hunter Warren had a two-run double.

NorthWood (1-0) collected 13 hits in all and took seven walks to boot.

The Panthers will host Mishawaka Marian this afternoon.