Gaston College takes momentum into Saturday's home opener

Gaston College will take the momentum of a season-opening road win over a nationally-ranked opponent into its first home game in 50 years on Saturday.

The Rhinos opened their first season since 1972 with an 8-3 win at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute on Wednesday; Caldwell was ranked No. 9 in the preseason National Junior College Athletic Association Division III poll.

"To do what we did against a team like that is impressive," said Gaston College head coach Shohn Doty, whose team competes in NJCAA Division II. "Offensively, we were really good and on the mound we have 14 strikeouts to overcome the nine walks we gave up."

On Saturday at 1 p.m., the Rhinos will host Surry Community College for a doubleheader at Gastonia's CaroMont Health Park that is home to the Gastonia Honey Hunters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball; Sims Legion Park will eventually be Gaston College's home stadium, but that venue is currently undergoing stadium renovations.

"We're excited the Honey Hunters are allowing us to use such a high quality facility while our home is being improved," said Doty, whose team played fall games at Sims Legion Park."

In Wednesday's win over Caldwell Tech, J.D. Yakubinis (four hits, three RBIs), Ahmir Cournier (two hits, double, home run, three RBIs), Konni Durschlag (two hits, double) and Pierson Gunnell (two-run home run) led an 11-hit offense and six pitchers combined on a five-hitter.

"We had some good moments but we also have some things we can work on," Doty said. "We need to keep improving and look forward to playing our first home game in 50 years on Saturday."

In its last home game - played May 10, 1972 at the school's old campus field - Gaston College swept a doubleheader over Southeastern Community College of Whiteville 8-4 and 4-3. Mike Hoover had five hits in the sweep, Ken Beaty threw a seven-hitter in the opener and Jacobs and Hoover combined on a five-hitter in the second game.