WATERLOO - Northern Iowa has not qualified for the Missouri Valley Conference baseball postseason tournament since 2003.

To end that drought, the Panthers are cognizant of what needs to change.

"We need to stay in contention at the beginning of the conference season," outfielder Deric Manrique said. "We can't afford to start like we have of late."

During the past four seasons, UNI has opened league play 3-9, 1-8, 3-6 and 2-7. As a result, the Panthers have little to no margin for error in May to finish among the top six.

"This team is a lot older, we've been through the grind together and we've got some good leadership," Manrique said. "We just need to start on a positive note."

The MVC schedule is more favorable for UNI (10-9) this spring.

Unlike past years when the Panthers open Valley play at a southern school - Southern Illinois, Wichita State or Missouri State - UNI kicks off its MVC campaign at home this weekend against reeling Evansville (2-18).

"It doesn't look so daunting," head coach Rick Heller said. "In the past, we're playing teams that are on fire early and teams that played a lot on their home field.

"Then, for us, we're just getting back from our spring trip, we've already played 20 straight games on the road and then we're back on the road. It wears on you."

UNI, the last school in the league to open conference play, travels to Indiana State and Illinois State the next two weekends. The Panthers won't face SIU, Wichita State and Missouri State until the second half of the season.

"A lot of teams in the Valley are going to take two of three from Evansville," shortstop Brandon Douglas said. "In order to keep pace, we've got to take two of three or sweep them."

Despite Wednesday's 9-4 loss to Division III Wisconsin-Platteville, Heller's squad won its last six games in Florida, including two wins over Northwestern and another over Ohio State.

"We made big strides from a confidence standpoint after the Ohio State game," Heller said. "You could really feel it for the rest of the trip."

Nick Kirk, who will start Friday, and Guido Fonseca, Saturday's starter, are coming off solid outings against Northwestern.

Taylor Sinclair is Sunday's scheduled starter but is 1-1 with a 6.11 ERA.

"All three of our starters haven't pitched up to their capabilities," Heller said. "I think they'll get it going here."

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com

GAME TRACKER

UNI baseball

Evansville (2-18, 1-2) at Northern Iowa (10-9, 0-0)

Games: Friday, 3 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.

Where : Waterloo (Riverfront Stadium)

Radio: KQMG, 95.3 FM

Last time out: The Purple Aces dropped a 10-1 decision at home to Western Kentucky. The Panthers had their six-game winning streak snapped Wednesday to Wisconsin-Platteville, 9-4.

Series: Evansville leads 26-25, including winning two out of three last year in Evansville.

Probable pitching matchups (Evansville listed first): Today (John Foley, 1-1, 4.32 ERA vs. Nick Kirk, 2-3, 4.91); Saturday (Sean McCarthy, 0-3, 6.63 vs. Guido Fonseca, 4-0, 5.20); Sunday (Mark Obenchain, 0-1, 6.75 vs. Taylor Sinclair, 1-1, 6.11).

Series notes: The Purple Aces, who have just one senior on their roster and start six freshmen, are batting a league-low .255, have a MVC-worst 7.09 team ERA and are the worst fielding team in the conference at .930 … Evansville junior Andy Smith is third in the Valley in hitting with a .404 average, while freshman Greg Wallace is batting .328 … Preseason all-Valley outfielder Jim Viscomi is out after breaking his knee cap … UNI's Guido Fonseca, who had just five wins last year, already has four this season and is tied for the MVC lead with 34 strikeouts … Brandon Douglas has 11 multiple-hit games for UNI, while Levi Ferguson has six.

Around the Valley this weekend: Indiana State (1-2) at Bradley (2-1); Illinois State (0-3) at Creighton (1-2); Southern Illinois (2-1) at Missouri State (2-1)

In the hole: UNI concludes its five-game homestand Wednesday against Grand View College at 3 p.m.