Coming off the best season in school history in 2013, the University’s first MIAA Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, the baseball team had high expectations entering the 2014 season. They were picked to finish second out of 15 MIAA teams.

With only returning one regular starter in the lineup and no returning starting pitchers, Coach Buzz Verduzco knew that getting new faces acclimated to a tough MIAA schedule would be a challenge.

Through 20 games, the Griffons sat at 9-11 overall. Four players are hitting over .300: Ryan Degner, .368; Trevor LaHonta, .349; David Chew, .338; and Will Carter, .314.

The new pitching staff has had its ups and downs. It is led by Dylan Roades, who has a 2.16 ERA in four appearances and junior Tyler Sanders with a 3.46 ERA in 11 appearances.

The team is gearing up for the MIAA Baseball Championship held May 8-10 in Springfield, Mo.