Logan Carman returns for his senior season for the Southern Maine Huskies. Southern Maine athletics photo

By Tristan Hobbes
for D3baseball.com

The New England region lived up to its billing as one of the toughest in the country again last season. Southern Maine battled back through the loser’s bracket to knock off Endicott and advance to the Division III Championship tournament in Appleton, Wis.

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For the second consecutive year, however, the New England champion came up a game short, as the Huskies fell in the national championship game to Linfield. The spring of 2014 expects to be another unbelievable season and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Southern Maine hoist the regional title trophy once more.

New Faces

Bryan Adamski, Trinity: Adamski makes the move from one NESCAC school to another as he served five years as an assistant coach at Amherst. Adamski worked with the pitchers and hitters, helping the Lord Jeffs win a program-record 27 games and advance to the semi-finals of the New York regional in 2013. He also served as the head coach of the North Adams Steeplecats in the New England Collegiate Baseball League for the last two summers.

Nathan Bashaw, Westfield State: Bashaw takes over for Ray Arra at Westfield State. He served as the head coach at Elms for the past three seasons, leading the Blazers to a program-record 20 wins in 2013. Prior to Elms, Bashaw spent six seasons as an assistant at Gettysburg College.

Billy Cather, Lesley: After serving as an assistant for four years at his alma mater, Maine, Cather will begin his first season as the Lesley head coach in 2014. Cather helped the Black Bears advance to the NCAA tournament in 2011, earning a victory over No. 20 Florida International. Cather was drafted in the 33rd round by the Washington Nationals in the 2009 MLB Entry Draft.

Eric Cirella, Salve Regina: Cirella begins his first season as the head coach at Salve Regina, taking over for his father, Steve, who coached the Seahawks for 14 seasons. As the associate head coach last year, Cirella helped Salve win 29 games, 15 more than the previous season. Prior to rejoining the Seahawks, Cirella spent six seasons as an assistant at the University of Rhode Island.

Mike Gedman, Framingham State: Gedman will begin his first year as the Rams' head coach in 2014. It will be Gedman’s first season as a collegiate head coach. He spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Division I Bryant, helping the Bulldogs win two Northeast Conference regular-season titles and one postseason title. In 2013, the Bulldogs won a school-record 45 games and defeated No. 15 Arkansas in the NCAA tournament.

Matt LaBranche takes over for coaching legend Bill Holowaty at Eastern Conn. d3photography.com photo by Larry Radlof

Dan Gomez, Western New England: Gomez was named the ninth head coach in the 45-year history of the Western New England baseball program after Matt LaBranche left to take the job at Eastern Connecticut. Gomez served as the Golden Bears top assistant over the past four seasons, helping them to four-straight NCAA tournament appearances.

Matt LaBranche, Eastern Connecticut: After building Western New Enland into a regional power, LaBranche takes over one of the storied programs in Division III baseball this spring. He takes over for baseball coaching legend Bill Holowaty who retired after 45 years last spring.

Scott Netkovick, Elms: Netkovick returns to his alma mater to serve as the head coach at Elms in 2014. Netkovick was a member of the first baseball team at Elms in 2005 and earned his MBA from the school in 2013. He has served as an assistant coach with the Blazers for the past two seasons.

Nick Puccio, Nichols: After spending the last three seasons as an assistant at Wheaton (Mass.), Puccio will begin his first head coaching job with the Bison. Puccio was a key member of the coaching staff at Wheaton, helping the Lyons to three NCAA tournaments and a spot in the 2012 national championship game.

Tom White, Lyndon State: White takes over the Lyndon State job after serving as an assistant at Plymouth State over the past three seasons. White helped the Panthers win 20 games and earn a spot in the Little East Conference championship game. He was a four-year standout at Colby-Sawyer in baseball and soccer.

Conference Summaries

Little East Conference

Arguably one of the toughest conferences in the country, the Little East nearly saw its first national champion since 2002 last spring. Southern Maine powered its way to a LEC regular-season and postseason title, a New England regional title but fell one game short, losing in the national championship to Linfield. This spring should prove to be another battle in the LEC with every conference doubleheader up in the air.

Southern Maine coach Ed Flaherty will be looking for a second straight appearance at the D-III World Series. Southern Maine athletics photo

D3baseball.com National Player of the Year Tucker White is gone but the cupboards are far from barren for Ed Flaherty at Southern Maine. The Huskies return three D3Baseball.com Preseason All-Americans in first teamer Logan Carman (12-1, 2.00 ERA, 94.1 IP, .208 OBAA) and second teamers Sam Dexter (.335, 23 2B, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 53 R, 13 SB) and Chris Bernard (.327, 16 2B, 6 HR, 48 RBI, 38 R, 17 SB). Also back is Forrest Chadwick (.380, 17 2B, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 59 R) and John Carey (.371, 12 2B, 31 RBI, 40 R). Joining Carman on the mound will be workhorse Andrew Richards, a junior right-hander that turned heads last spring with his rubber arm. He appeared in 35 games, posting an 11-3 record and three saves in 104 innings pitched. Tyler Leavitt (5-0, 1.46 ERA, 49.1 IP) also returns as a starter for the Huskies.

Southern Maine’s shot at its third consecutive conference title will not be easy. Eastern Connecticut, Mass-Boston and Keene State are all looking to knock off the Huskies in 2014. Longtime head coach and college baseball legend Bill Holowaty retired after 45 years at ECSU last spring and former Western New England coach Matt LaBranche takes over one of the most storied programs in Division III baseball. LaBranche inherits a team that returns seven starters but loses a lot to graduation. Mike Vaccarelli (.347, 8 2B, 28 RBI, 29 R), Brendan Lynch (.315, 14 2B, 28 RBI, 32 R) and Gavin Lavallee (.292, 15 RBI, 27 R) will lead the offense in 2014. The Warriors lost their top two starters and All-American closer and will need their young pitchers to step up. Pat Barnett (4-1, 4.12 ERA, 39.1 IP) and Tyler Cyr (1-0, 4.24 ERA, 17 IP) will be looked to headline the staff this spring.

Lucas Ilges's shutout of Southern Maine in 2013 was one of the Beacons' top highlights of the athletic year. Mass-Boston athletics photo

Mass-Boston features some of the most exciting players in the conference and will give teams headaches all year long. Jamill Moquette might be the most explosive player in the conference and was the No. 1 rated prospect in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League this past summer. He hit .319 with seven doubles, four home runs, 16 RBI, 32 runs and 20 stolen bases a year ago for the Beacons. Also back on offense is Todd Ezold (.324, 8 2B, 21 RBI) and Nick Brothers (.368). The Beacons also return a dominant pitching staff that includes Kyle Szatrowski (5-2, 2.65 ERA, 57.2 IP), Lucas Ilges (3-4, 3.72 ERA, 55.2 IP) and Patrick Austin (2-3, 4.27 ERA, 46.1 IP).

Keene State will be led by D3baseball.com Preseason Honorable Mention All-American Nick Vita (.435, 12 2B, 34 RBI, 32 R, 9 SB) in 2014. Andrew Gummow (.295, 7 2B, 13 RBI, 16 R) and Ian Seawards (.284, 9 2B, 24 RBI, 21 R) are also back to aid in the offensive effort. Cody Dube (4-1, 2.45 ERA, 25.2 IP) will be asked to lead a pitching staff that lost its top two starters to graduation.

Like in years past, you can’t sleep on Mass-Dartmouth, Western Connecticut, Rhode Island College or Plymouth State. The Corsairs welcome back a loaded lineup that features George Aggostini (.365, 11 2B, 38 RBI, 33 R), Ryan Medeiros (.310, 14 2B, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 41 R) and Alex Newton (.327, 10 2B, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 28 R). They also bring back their top three pitchers in Nick Fuller (4-6, 6.42 ERA, 67.1 IP), George Bent (2-1, 5.61 ERA, 43.1 IP) and Aaron Chouinard (3-1, 5.40 ERA, 40 IP).

Western Connecticut loses the bat of Conor Bierfeldt but does bring back Jeff John (.335, 9 2B, 27 RBI, 37 R) and Bobby Coyne (.299, 22 RBI, 29 R). A pair of sophomores, Craig Frobel (2-3, 8.27 ERA, 37 IP) and Tyler Eastwood (3-2, 4.50 ERA, 32 IP) will lead the pitching staff in 2014. RIC brings back a strong team in 2014 led by sophomore phenom Matt Foley (.331, 14 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 25 R). Alex Verrecchia (.318, 6 2B, 15 RBI, 21 R) and Dean Grasso (.270, 7 3B, 20 RBI, 21 R, 12 SB) are also back on offense.

Rhode Island will need bounce-back years from Stephen Lapatin (2-3, 5.72 ERA, 45.2 IP) and C.J. Tsoumakas (2-5, 6.55 ERA, 45.1 IP) to be competitive in the LEC. Plymouth State welcomes back Brandon Cox (.326, 10 2B, 28 RBI, 31 R) and Brian Thompson (.312, 21 RBI, 15 R) in 2014. Jeff Runnals (5-1, 3.73 ERA, 41 IP), Cody Gilchrist (2-4, 4.69 ERA, 40.1 IP) and Tucker Regan (3-4, 4.02 ERA, 40.1 IP) will lead the pitching staff.

New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference

Ryan Grant needs nine saves in 2014 to set a D-III saves record. Wheaton (Mass.) athletics photo

The NEWMAC has been dominated by Wheaton since its inception but 2014 could be the year that changes. The Lyons have won 14 of the 15 regular-season championships and 13 tournament titles but graduation has left them a bit vulnerable this season. They lost the offensive firepower of Sean Ryan and the dominant arm of Frank Holbrook but return junior first baseman Apolinar De La Cruz (.348, 11 2B, 35 RBI) and two-time NEWMAC Pitcher of the Year Alec Palioca (6-1, 61.1 IP, 62 K, 2.35 ERA). Also back is senior closer Ryan Grant (12 SV, 2.05 ERA), the active leader in career saves in Division III with 36. He needs eight to tie the NCAA record of 44 set by Heidelberg’s Andy Lowe from 2008-11. Entering his 17th season, coach Eric Podbelski will be searching for the program’s 10th-consecutive 30-win season.

Looking to close the gap and finally knock off the Lyons will be perennial contenders Babson and MIT. The Beavers have quite possibly the strongest pitching staff in the conference with Michael Bortolotti (4-3, 1.36 ERA, 53 IP), Derek Richards (2-2, 3.77 ERA, 43 IP), Matt Grenier (5-2, 4.52 ERA, 61.2 IP) and a healthy Kyle Lyon (3-2, 1.99 ERA, 45.1 IP, 38 K in 2012). Babson’s offense will have to replace its top three hitters but Sean MacPhee (.294, 8 2B, 4 HR, 31 RBI) and Dillon Gonzalez (8 2B, 27 R, 9 SB) should provide an offensive spark.

Coming off its second NCAA tournament appearance in three seasons, MIT will once again look to its pitching staff to lead the way. Nicholas Locascio (5-1, 1.41 ERA, 57.1 IP) is coming off a stellar rookie campaign and Max Ockner (5-3, 2.60 ERA, 62.1 IP) is back for is senior season. The offense returns some pop as well in the form of senior Creed Mangrum (.340, 9 2B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 34 R) and juniors Hayden Cornewell (.358, 16 2B, 4 HR, 38 RBI) and Parker Tew (.299, 10 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 23 R). Coach Andy Barlow also has a chance to become the winningest coach in program history, needing just 19 victories to accomplish the feat.

in 2013 Alex Venditti became the third WPI player to garner NEWMAC Rookie of the Year accolades. WPI athletics photo

WPI will look to get back into the conference tournament in 2014 with a wealth of offense and pitching returning. Reigning NEWMAC Rookie of the Year Alex Venditti (.333, 9 2B, 5 HR, 27 RBI) and D.J. Ouellette (.360, 8 2B, 27 RBI, 22 R) will lead the Engineers offense and Taylor Landry (2-2, 3 SV, 4.66 ERA) returns to lead a pitching staff that returns in its entirety. Springfield went 7-11 in league play last year and bring back experience in the form of Mike McGowan (.361, 5 2B, 5 3B, 17 RBI, 24 R), Frank Calabrese (5 2B), Travis Lane (4-1, 1.79 ERA, 40.1 IP) and Peter Baranski (1-1, 2.35 ERA, 23.0 IP, 17 K, 2 BB).  

Clark will also look to improve from last year and will look to sophomore Michael Eglow to lead the offense. Eglow hit .339 with five doubles and 16 runs scored as a rookie. Andrew Doolittle (15 RBI) returns as the top run producer and Derek Dubois (4-4, 3.27 ERA, 44 IP, 52 K) returns for his graduate season as the Cougars top pitcher.

Zach Dean (.345, 9 2B, 2 3B, 9 RBI) and James Sullivan (.316, 5 2B, 13 R) will lead an Emerson team that is competing in the NEWMAC for the first time in program history this spring. Coast Guard was gutted by graduation, losing a pair of All-New England pitchers from a year ago. Matt Hanks (.272, 21 R) is the top offensive returner and Kyle Wood (2-1, 3.22, 36.1 IP) had a strong rookie campaign and will lead the pitching staff this season.

Great Northeast Athletic Conference

St. Joseph’s or Suffolk. Take your pick. The 2014 season in the GNAC looks to be an exciting one as these two perennial powers are geared up for quite the showdown. The Monks are the reigning four-time defending league champion, while the Rams have pushed them to the brink in each of those four seasons. In 2014, St. Joe’s will welcome back leading hitter Alex Lorenc (.377, 9 2B, 5 HR, 32 RBI) and big-time run-producer Joe Coyne (.316, 13 2B, 2 HR, 36 RBI) to an offense that hit .300 a year ago. Although they lose all-time wins leader Chad Rafferty, Nick Whittaker (6-3, 1.63 ERA, 55.1 IP, 57 K), Joe Gruntkosky (5-4, 2.84 ERA, 44.1 IP, 52 K) and Alex Valenti (4-0, 1.74 ERA, 41.1 IP, 32 K) all return.

In 2013, Jake Cintolo became the third player in program history to record 200 career hits for Suffolk. Suffolk athletics photo

If there is a year Suffolk will unseat the Monks, this could be it. The Rams return one of the most high-octane offenses in the region in 2014 led by D3baseball.com Second Team Preseason All-American Jake Cintolo. The senior hit .398 with 44 runs scored, 37 RBI and 18 doubles for a Rams team that averaged nearly eight runs per game. Cintolo enters his final season just 17 hits shy of the all-time record at Suffolk and is already the all-time leader in doubles (51) at Suffolk and in GNAC history. Joining him will be classmate Devan Jones (.285, 10 2B, 5 3B, 27 RBI, 39 R) and Mike Muse (.389, 27 RBI, 28 R). On the mound, Josh Desai (4-5, 4.57 ERA, 65.0 IP, 48 K) and Jonathan Richard (6-1, 3.40 ERA, 55.2 IP) will lead the pitching staff.

The rest of the GNAC should not be counted out, however. Johnson and Wales earned a share of the GNAC regular-season title a year ago and returns a good portion of its offense this spring. Leading hitter Zack Boyes is gone but Alex Pezzuto returns for his senior season after hitting .411 with seven doubles and 36 RBI a year ago on his way to First Team All-GNAC honors. Kory Ferullo (.363, 40 R, 25 BB, 12 SB) is also back after earning second team honors a year ago. JWU might be deepest on the mound as all-conference selections John Amodeo (5-2, 2.25 ERA, 52 IP, 57 K) and Shawn Haugh (5-1, 2.61 ERA, 48.1 IP, 54 K) and reigning GNAC Rookie of the Year Jake Marchesseault (5-2, 2.45 ERA, 44 IP, 30 K) are all back. Lasell went 8-8 in the GNAC a year ago and return all-conference hitter Billy Uberti (.306, 10 2B, 19 RBI, 16 R) and its top two pitchers, Greg Sherman (1-3, 2.31 ERA, 39 IP, 27 K) and David Long (5-0, 2.89 ERA, 37.1 IP, 42 K).

Anna Maria and Albertus Magnus finished tied in the league standings last year and enter this spring with a different approach. The AMCATs welcome 16 new players and will look to John Sullivan (.299, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 23 RBI) and Tyler Stuart (5-3, 4.81 ERA, 48.2 IP, 49 K) to lead the way. The Falcons return seven starters and will feature a very experienced group in 2014. Zak Sokolis (.337, 8 2B, 3 3B, 16 RBI, 26 R) and Anthony Pellegrino (.326, 5 2B, 20 RBI, 18 R) will lead the offense, while Mike Barillaro (1-4, 4.41 ERA, 51 IP) and Ryan Fowler (3-1, 3.34 ERA, 35 IP, 32 K) will head man the pitching staff. Norwich welcomes back sophomore Cody Lindell who finished second on the team in RBI a year ago and Sean Gerich (.293, 14 R). Billy Whaley is also back after winning three games as a freshman. Rivier will look to a pair of sophomores, Jeremy Ball (.290, 13 RBI, 27 R) and Marc Medeiros (16 RBI, 18 R) to pace the offense this season. The Raiders also welcome back their entire pitching staff, including Jon Chotkowski (2-5, 2.93 ERA, 43 IP, 46 K).

North Atlantic Conference

Tyler Lord is one of seven starters returning for the Spartans in 2014. Castleon State athletics photo

The NAC has its automatic bid back in 2014 and there should be quite the battle for a spot in the NCAA tournament. Leading the charge will be perennial favorites Castleton State and Husson. The Spartans have advanced to the tournament title in each of the last six seasons, winning three times. Last season, it was the Eagles that were able to claim the NAC title and the two could meet again this year. Castleton returns seven starters, including First Team All-NAC selection Connor Hoagland (.327, 8 2B, 33 RBI, 36 R, 26 SB) and Tyler Lord (.287, 8 2B, 24 RBI, 37 R). On the mound, Adam Greenlese (7-0, 2.17 ERA, 66.1 IP) and Conner Johnson (3-0, 2.31 ERA) combined to go 10-0 a year ago.

Husson loses Shawn Smith, the NAC Player of the Year, but brings back Pat Thibodeau (.385, 5 2B, 5 3B, 26 RBI, 41 R, 24 SB) and NAC Co-Rookie of the Year J.T. Whitten (.339, 29 RBI). The Eagles’ pitching also returns virtually intact, with all 26 wins returning this spring. Brandon Reilly (5-4, 1.73 ERA, 67.2 IP), Pat McEwen (5-3, 2.59 ERA, 59 IP) and Dennis O’Neil (5-3, 2.96 ERA, 51.2 IP) all won five games a year ago.

Kevin Keith returns after winning the 2013 NAC Pitcher of the Year. Colby-Sawyer photo by John Quackenbox

Colby-Sawyer and Thomas were the final two teams in the NAC tournament a year ago and should find themselves there again thanks to strong returners. Colby-Sawyer features the best pitcher in the league in reigning NAC Pitcher of the Year Kevin Keith. The senior went 8-2 with a 0.97 ERA in 64.2 innings last year. He struck out 61 and allowed just seven walks. Classmate PJ Singster (4-5, 3.97 ERA, 59 IP) gives the Chargers one of the best 1-2 combos in the league. Andy Lapple is back to lead the offense after hitting .373 with eight doubles, three triples, 12 RBI, 20 runs scored and 18 stolen bases. Thomas loses a great deal of senior leadership but does bring back sophomores Derek Kane (.305, 6 2B, 24 RBI, 18 R) and Dillon Emerson (.297, 5 2B, 27 RBI, 19 R). James McLamb (3-2, 5.29 ERA, 47.2 IP) and Tim Locke (4-4, 6.23 ERA, 39 IP) will lead the Terriers pitching staff.

Maine-Farmington, New England College and Lyndon State will all need outstanding performances to find a spot in the conference tournament. Ben Keene returns for the Beavers after hitting .403 and driving in 13 as a rookie in 2013. Matthew Woodbury led the team with 14 RBI a year ago and is back for his junior season. Junior Joe Sullivan is back after going 2-4 with a 4.46 ERA last spring. New England College welcomes back Second Team All-NAC picks Brandon Adorno (.343, 9 2B, 12 RBI) and Kevin Caputo (.282, 7 RBI). Matthew Krum is also back after leading the team in home runs (2) and RBI (13) as a freshman. The Pilgrims also return the bulk of their pitching staff, including Eric Johnson (31 K, 35 IP). Lyndon State will look to first-year coach Todd White to turn things around in 2014. Devon Rollins, a second team All-NAC selection as a freshman last season, returns after hitting .324 with five doubles and 16 RBI. Dylan Newton is back for his senior season after leading the team in home runs (3) and RBI (18) a year ago.

New England Collegiate Conference

Daniel Webster is coming off their greatest season in which they won their first NCAA playoff game. Daniel Webster photo by Sarah Pyne

Daniel Webster has won the last two NECC titles but graduation has left the Eagles vulnerable to the rest of the league. DWU must replace its top four hitters and 20 of its 29 wins on the mound in 2014. Reigning NECC Player of the Year Kyle Brigham (.349, 7 2B, 6 3B, 27 RBI, 28 R, 15 SB) is the biggest threat offensively and Ariel Ramos will have to be the staff ace after going 4-1 with a 4.57 ERA in 45.1 innings last year.

With the Eagles looking to replace talent, the time is now for Mitchell, Becker and Elms to step into the spotlight. The Mariners tied for the regular season title a year ago and welcome back a wealth of talent as they lost just two seniors from a team that won 23 games last year. Gavin Lalima scored 40 runs and stole 23 bases, Drew Doyle hit .352 with 14 doubles and 26 RBI and Neftali Arroyo hit .300 with 12 doubles, three home runs and a team-leading 38 RBI as a freshman a year ago. In all, the Mariners return seven players that drove in over 20 runs a year ago. On the mound, 2013 NECC Pitcher and Rookie of the Year Tyler Shamas returns. Shamas went 9-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 72.2 innings. Al Jordan Johnson was also outstanding as a rookie, going 6-3 with a 4.26 ERA in 61.1 innings.

Becker finished 9-9 in league play a year ago and welcomes back its entire starting rotation this spring. Nick Lemay (3-4, 4.28 ERA, 54.2 IP), Tony Cantalupo (4-4, 6.61 ERA, 49 IP) and Trenton Gibson (2-3, 4.76 ERA, 39.2 IP) will headline the staff. Mike Marcello is back for his final year after hitting .313 with two home runs and 23 RBI last year. Elms set a program record with 20 victories last season and first-year bench boss Scott Netkovick inherits an experienced bunch in 2014. Daniel McCormack (.353, 8 2B, 20 RBI, 33 R) was outstanding as a freshman and Samuel Farnsworth (.307, 21 RBI) is a proven run producer. Thomas Weldon (3-4, 4.19 ERA, 53.2 IP) was strong as a rookie and will headline a staff that also features Curtis Lebeau (3-4, 2.54 ERA, 49.2 IP) and Derek Leal (3-4, 5.10 ERA, 42.1 IP).

Lesley, Southern Vermont and Newbury will all look to improve in 2014 and earn a shot at the NECC title. Lesley won a program-record 13 games last year and welcome first-year head coach Billy Cather this spring. Cather will inherit a team that returns its top two offensive threats in Robert Parson (.348, 8 2B, 28 R, 11 SB) and Tyler Plourd (.308, 7 2B, 24 RBI, 16 R). The entire pitching staff returns as well with junior Ray Cohen (3-3, 2.83 ERA, 35 IP) leading the way. Southern Vermont will look to Chris Nicastro (.314, 8 2B, 16 RBI, 28 R, 15 SB) and Roland Hernandez (.295, 13 2B, 18 RBI, 18 R) to lead the offense. Erik Johansen (2-4, 5.82 ERA, 38.2 IP) and Kurt Kowalczyk (2-1, 6.75 ERA, 34.2 IP) will lead the Mountaineers pitching staff. Newbury won just 10 games a year ago but bring back a veteran squad this spring. Michael Dwyer returns for his senior season after scoring 22 runs and swiping 12 bases last year. Ryan Zahornasky was outstanding as a rookie, hitting .333 with 12 doubles, four triples, 26 RBI and 23 runs scored. Cameron D’Agostino (1-6, 6.23 ERA, 47.2 IP) and Daniel Lumb (2-4, 7.75 ERA, 40.2 IP) will lead the pitching staff.

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference

Richard Fecteau, the MASCAC 2013 Rookie of the Year, was second on the team with a .357 batting average average in 2013. Salem State athletics photo

Last spring, Salem State rode a dominant pitching staff and a solid offense to its first MASCAC championship since 2006. This spring, the Vikings are primed for another NCAA trip thanks to a strong cast of returning characters. Four all-conference players return, including MASCAC Rookie of the Year Richard Fecteau (.357, 9 2B, 5 3B, 25 RBI, 18 R) and senior Kyle McElroy (.303, 20 RBI, 19 R, 12 SB). The Vikings also feature a sensational staff headlined by Ryan Hyjek. The right-hander went 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 33 innings but missed the second half of the season due to injury. He is fully healthy this spring and will be joined by Sean Buckland (3-2, 1.88 ERA, 43 IP) and Cato Lacroix (3-4, 3.71 ERA, 43.2 IP). Buckland tossed a three-hit shutout in the MASCAC championship game last spring.

As last year showed, however, the MASCAC is becoming a league of parity. Outside of Salem State’s 12-2 league record, every other team lost at least five league games. That sets the table for another exciting battle this spring. Framingham State finished second last year and newly hired head coach Mike Gedman will welcome back Cameron Couillard (.338, 14 RBI, 21 R) and Anthony Iafolla (.318, 19 RBI) offensively. Matt Dicato returns for his senior season after going 7-1 with a 2.11 ERA and eight complete games. Ryan Bowen (5-6, 3.56 ERA, 73.1 IP) also returns for the Rams.

A new era begins at Westfield State as Ray Arra retired after leading the Owls for nine years. Nathan Bashaw, fresh off helping Elms win a program-record 20 games last year, inherits a team with some offensive holes to fill. Dan Rokitowski (.292, 6 2B, 23 RBI, 25 R) and Pat McWilliams (.321, 20 RBI, 25 R) will be the keys offensively, while Kevin Zyrkowski (4-1, 2.87 ERA, 31.1 IP) and Peter Cassidy (3-4, 5.40 ERA, 51.2 IP) will lead the charge on the mound.

Senior Brendan O’Kane will join Keith Sanchez as captains for the Mass-Maritime Buccaneers. Mass-Maritime athletics photo

The final five teams, as history as proven, will make this an even more competitive conference season. Bridgewater State loses its top eight hitters from a year ago but does bring back its top two starting pitchers in Patrick Martin (5-2, 2.31 ERA, 58.1 IP) and Andy Sadoski (4-4, 4.58 ERA, 53 IP). Mass-Maritime made the MASCAC tournament for the first time in program history last spring and 42nd-year head coach Bob Corradi returns three wins shy of 550 in his career. Bobby Rosano finished second in the MASCAC with a .392 average last year and added five doubles, four triples, 20 RBI and 28 runs scored. The top four pitchers return as well for the Buccaneers led by T.J. Notarangelo (3-1, 4.04 ERA, 42.1 IP) and Keith Sanchez (2-4, 3.63 ERA, 39.2 IP, 40 K). Notarangelo tossed a no-hitter last year against Fitchburg State.

Speaking of the Fitchburg State Falcons, David Mason (.374, 20 RBI, 15 R) returns after being named all-conference last year, and will be joined by Pierce Hans (.256, 18 RBI, 16 R) offensively. Javier Lozada (3-4, 4.44 ERA, 48.2 IP) will lead the pitching staff. Worcester State welcomes back a strong class, including MASCAC batting champion Zach George (.418, 12 2B, 19 RBI, 23 R). Stephen Wallace is also back after leading the team with 27 runs a year ago. Alex Teal was dominant in his first season on the mound, going 5-5 with a 2.00 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 63 innings. Cody Osburn (3-1, 1.37 ERA, 46 IP) gives the Lancers another strong arm on the mound. MCLA welcomes back team RBI leader Tyler Benoit (14 RBI) and its entire pitching staff led by Benoit (1-8, 5.19 ERA, 52 IP).

Commonwealth Coast Conference

In 2013, the Gulls overcame a six-year drought to win the program's first title since 2006 and went on to win three games in the NCAA Regional. Endicott athletics photo

Endicott was finally able to get over the hump last season and unseat Western New England from its perch as CCC king. The Gulls rode that momentum all the way to the New England Regional championship before succumbing to eventual national runner-up Southern Maine. The 2014 season should be even more exciting as the parity of New England baseball has found its way to the CCC. EC was hit hard by graduation, losing three seniors on offense and a trio of seniors that combined for 22 wins on the mound. Harry Oringer (.341, 6 2B, 4 3B, 33 RBI, 44 R), Tad Gold (.353, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 34 R, 19 SB) and EJ Martinez (.328, 11 2B, 36 RBI, 27 R) all return offensively for the Gulls. JJ Branch (3-1, 2.21 ERA, 40.2 IP) and Zac Poland (2-1, 4.50 ERA, 30 IP) return as the most experienced pitchers.

Western New England will be looking to reclaim the CCC crown but with a different coach. Dan Gomez begins his first year as the skipper of the Golden Bears and will welcome back a veteran pitching staff led by Mike Lospinuso (9-3, 2.95 ERA, 73.1 IP). Trevor Breton (5-1, 2.80 ERA, 70.2 IP, 66 K) and Brendan Nugent (8-2, 3.39 ERA, 69 IP, 10 BB) give the Golden Bears one of the best starting staffs in the region. All-region outfielder Jeff Schult (.385, 11 2B, 30 RBI, 54 R, 34 SB) and Steve Buckley (.327, 14 2B, 5 HR, 42 RBI, 34 R) will be asked to carry the offensive load.

After winning 29 games a year ago, Salve Regina is primed for a run at the CCC title in 2014 with the return of six All-CCC picks. First-year head coach Eric Cirella’s squad will feature one of the best offenses in the region led by D3baseball.com Third Team Preseason All-American Dominic Di Sano. The senior catcher hit .354 with 13 doubles, three home runs, 34 RBI and 32 runs scored and is widely regarded as the best defensive catcher in New England. The Seahawks also welcome back Joe Haley (.345, 13 2B, 36 RBI), 2013 CCC Rookie of the Year Ryan Kelly (.338, 8 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 56 R, 29-29 SB) and Tyler Colby (.420, 10 2B, 32 RBI, 26 R). On the mound, Kyle Pheland (7-2, 2.50 ERA, 57.2 IP) and Vincent Roth (5-3, 4.45 ERA, 54.2 IP) will headline a staff that loses just one member from a year ago.

Roger Williams senior reliever Tyler Pogmore has been named a 2014 D3baseball.com preseason All-American. Roger Williams athletics photo

Roger Williams had an outstanding season in 2013 and welcomes back one of the best relievers in the country in D3baseball.com Third Team Preseason All-American Tyler Pogmore. The right-hander maintained a perfect 0.00 ERA last spring, allowing just four unearned runs over 25 innings while picking up four wins and eight saves. Sean Boyle (4-4, 3.53 ERA, 51 IP) and A.J. Bashaw (4-3, 3.89 ERA, 44 IP) both return after strong performances last spring. Offensively, Reid Nelson (.287, 10 2B, 21 RBI, 23 R) and Mike Pascarella (.316, 7 2B, 17 RBI, 22 R, 20 SB) both return.

Wentworth will welcome back a strong offensive unit led by Jon Spitz (.347, 35 R), Jake Mailman (.367, 14 2B, 36 RBI) and Joe Hulme (.337, 21 RBI, 26 R, 10 SB). Ben Lewis (6-3, 3.59 ERA, 52.2 IP) will lead a pitching staff that posted a 6.81 team ERA a year ago. Curry lost a lot to graduation but does bring back Tanner Givens (.308, 16 RBI, 12 R) and Thomas Fitzpatrick (4-4, 4.76 ERA, 51 IP, 42 K) to a team that qualified for the conference tournament last season.

Gordon, Eastern Nazarene and Nichols will all be looking to break into the top six and make the tournament this season. Gordon will miss Brian Harrington (.402, 18 2B, 30 RBI, 26 R) but does bring back sophomore Eric Rinaldi (.322, 17 RBI, 24 R). Eastern Nazarene welcomes back its top three hitters, including Anthony Berroa (.373, 8 2B, 5 3B, 17 RBI, 25 R, 16 SB) and David Manning (.330, 9 2B, 21 RBI). Berroa also went 1-3 with a 4.30 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 29.1 innings last spring. Nichols will be led by sophomore Brady Boisvert (.263, 9 RBI, 10 R) and senior Tyler Shute (4.98 ERA, 43.1 IP, 26 K).

Fred Shepard led the team in starts in 2013 and is part of an experienced pitching rotation for the Lord Jeffs. Amherst athletics photo

New England Small College Athletic Conference

Amherst won the NESCAC title a year ago and made a magical run in the New York regional. This year, the West Division will again be a battle day in and day out. It doesn’t get any easier over in the East as Trinity, Tufts and Bowdoin will all do battle for the two playoff spots. The Lord Jeffs welcome back a great deal of offense led by senior Taiki Kasuga (.338, 7 2B, 22 RBI, 25 R, 14 SB) and 2013 NESCAC Rookie of the Year sophomore Mike Odenwaelder (.331, 8 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 35 R). In all, Amherst brings back six of their top seven players in RBI from a year ago and lose just one senior that saw considerable at-bats. They do have to replace NESCAC Pitcher of the Year Bob Cook on the mound, but senior Dylan Driscoll (8-1, 2.76 ERA, 62 IP), classmate Fred Shepard (3-4, 3.24 ERA, 58.1 IP) and junior John Cook (6-2, 4.46 ERA, 40.1 IP, 40 K) all return after strong seasons in 2013.

Wesleyan tied Amherst at the top of the standings last season and brings back a very talented team in 2014. The Cardinals welcome back All-NESCAC performers Andrew Yin (.381, 32 RBI, 38 R) and Donnie Cimino (.399, 11 2B, 38 RBI, 35 R). Cimino has led the NESCAC in hitting each of his first two seasons. Wesleyan also brings back proven run-producers Sam Goodwin-Boyd (35 RBI) and Guy Davidson (28 RBI). The Cardinals might be most dominant on the mound as they bring back their top seven pitchers as far as innings pitched. Jeff Blount (5-2, 2.06 ERA, 56.2 IP, 45 K) and Nicholas Cooney (6-2, 3.05 ERA, 56 IP, 55 K) will lead the starters and Sam Elias is back after saving three games a year ago.

Williams, Middlebury and Hamilton will have their hands full with trying to overtake Amherst and Wesleyan and make the playoffs. The Ephs lose their top-two run producers but Marco Hernandez (.299, 25 RBI) is back for his senior season and will need help from Matt Kastner (.301, 13 RBI, 20 R). Dylan Sinnickson (.379, 5 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 20 R), Alex Kelly (.316, 11 2B, 14 RBI, 21), Eric Truss (2-3, 3.54 ERA, 48.1 IP) and Noah Baker (2-2, 3.99 ERA, 29.1 IP) are all back to lead Middlebury in 2014. Hamilton set a program record with 16 wins last year and will look to Joe Jensen (.307, 22 RBI, 30 R, 29 SB) and Zack Becker (.323, 11 RBI, 19 R, 11 SB) to lead them this spring. Alex Pachella (2-2, 3.14 ERA, 43 IP, 38 K) will be the top starter returning and Tommy Moriarty was a workhorse out of the bullpen last year, appearing in 27 games and registering a 3-3 record, six saves and a 4.29 ERA in 42 innings.

Sam Canales was a top five batter for the Polar Bears. Bowdoin athletics photo

In the East, first-year Trinity coach Bryan Adamski inherits a team that lost a ton of offense to graduation. The Bantams top four hitters are all gone but Robert Ferrara (.272, 11 2B, 19 RBI, 15 R) does return. Trinity will be deep on the mound as Peter Burrows (2-2, 3.70 ERA, 56 IP), John Meuchner (3-3, 3.20 ERA, 45 IP) and Sean Meekins (4-2, 3.79 ERA, 40.1 IP) all return. Bowdoin tied Trinity at the top of the East Division standings a year ago and return a good chunk of that team this spring. John LeFeber (.309, 16 RBI, 18 R) and Sam Canales (.310, 20 RBI, 11 R) are both back offensively for a team that hit .277 last year. The Polar Bears, however, feature three of the top arms in the division in Henry Van Zant (5-3, 3.11 ERA, 55 IP, 49 K), Harry Ridge (5-2, 3.31 ERA, 51.2 IP) and Christian Martin (6-0, 2.25 ERA, 48 IP, 52 K).

Tufts, Bates and Colby all missed the playoffs a year ago but have the potential to unseat Trinity and Bowdoin this spring. The Jumbos missed the playoffs by one game last year and will be determined to not let that happen again. Wade Hauser (.358, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 28 R) and Nate Izzo (.322, 16 RBI, 20 R, 11 SB) are back to lead the offense and the top four pitchers all return in 2014. Andrew David (5-2, 3.31 ERA, 54.1 IP, 47 K), Christian Sbily (3-2, 3.54 ERA, 53.1 IP) and Kyle Slinger (4-2, 3.66 ERA, 51.2 IP) all give the Jumbos a chance to win each time out. Bates welcomes back seven starters and a pair of weekend starting pitchers. Kevin Davis (.354, 18 2B, 32 RBI, 23) was an offensive machine a year ago and will be joined by Mekae Hyde (.324, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 19 R). Tom Baroni (3-3, 2.12 ERA, 63.2 IP) and Brad Reynolds (2-2, 2.08 ERA, 43.1 IP) will give Bates a chance to win each weekend. Colby welcomes back a majority of its starting lineup including Tyler Starks (.280, 18 RBI, 16 R) and Nathan Ellis (.382, 18 RBI, 16 R). Soren Hanson (1-4, 3.74 ERA, 43.1 IP, 41 K) will lead the pitching staff.