LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Amid speculation that the 2009 season will be its last, the Northern Iowa baseball team began the campaign Friday with a 5-0 loss at Arkansas-Little Rock.

The Panthers managed just five hits, as UALR starter Jake Sullivan threw 7 2/3 shutout innings in the first victory for new Trojan head coach Scott Norwood.

UNI starter Nick Kirk surrendered four earned runs on five hits in six innings of work.

Senior third baseman Brett Douglas singled twice for the Panthers, while Kalvin Johnson's double was UNI's only extra-base hit.

Jack Larner belted a two-run home run for UALR.

The series continues with games Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Gary Hogan Field.

Northern Iowa 000 000 000 - 0 5 2

Ark.-Little Rock 022 001 00x - 5 6 1

Kirk (L, 0-1), Zirbel (7), Gibbs (8) and Taliaferro; Sullivan (W, 1-0), Boling (8) and Wilson.

HR - UALR, Larner (1).