By Tristan Hobbes for D3baseball.com

Wheaton (Mass.) starts the season as the number one team in the D3baseball.com Top 25. D3photography photo by Larry Radloff

In a region with such unpredictability, the New England team predicted to win the last two seasons has done so. And they have done so in similar fashion. Western New England (2011) and Wheaton (2012) both rode dominant starting pitching, stellar defense and solid hitting to a regional championship and trip to Appleton, Wisc.

• Central Regional preview
• Mid-Atlantic Regional preview
• Mideast Regional preview
• Midwest Regional preview
• South Regional preview
• West Regional preivew 
• 2013 Preseason Top 25
• 2013 Preseason All-Americans

The team that is able to duplicate those qualities in 2013 will be the team that boards a flight in May. Unfortunately for the rest of the teams in New England, the team that will most likely duplicate that will be Wheaton. The depth the Lyons returns will give them a chance to head back to Fox Cities Stadium and try to finish what they started last season.

New Faces

Curry: Dave Perdios returned to Curry after a two year absence. Perdios had previously led the Colonels' baseball program for 12 seasons (1999-2010). Perdios enjoyed great success during his first stint at Curry. He compiled a 12-year record of 236-162-4. He led the Colonels to four regular-season Commonwealth Coast Conference titles (2005, 2007, 2009, 2010); a CCC Tournament title and first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament (2007).

Fitchburg State: Fitchburg State promoted Keith Brouillard as the tenth head coach in the history of the baseball program. “I am thrilled for this amazing opportunity,” said Brouillard. “For the past four years, I have been fortunate enough to work closely with this team and I am very excited to bring Fitchburg State baseball back to where it belongs.”

Southern Vermont: Southern Vermont announced this last summer of the hiring of its new head coach, Dave Gage. Gage takes over after serving as the team’s pitching coach in 2012 in which the Mountaineers finished 9-31 overall and 5-13 in the New England Collegiate Conference. He replaces Don Schaffer, guided the Montaineers for the last five seasons. "This is an exciting time for this program and the future of the program," Gage said. "Having the opportunity to coach at your alma mater is a blessing".

Trinity (Conn.): Trinity (Conn.) announced that assistant Mark Lambert has been hired as Interim head coach.  Lambert, the team’s associate head coach for the last two seasons, is replacing Bill Decker who resigned to become the head coach at Harvard.  Lambert will coach the Bantams through the current academic year, along with current assistant coaches Steve Cervizzi and Ernie May.

Chris Kucher returns as one of the top power threats in New England. Babson athletics photo

New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference: To say Wheaton has dominated the NEWMAC would be an understatement. Since the conference started a baseball championship in 1999, the Lyons have won or shared 13 of 14 regular-season titles and have claimed 12 of the 14 tournament championships. Last season, they finished five games better than any other team on their way to their second regional championship and a berth in the national championship game. The core of that team returns in 2013 led by D3Baseball.com preseason All-American Frank Holbrook (10-0, 1.38 ERA, 84.2 IP, 52 SO). Sean Ryan (.384 AVG, 86 H, 18 2B, 37 RBI, 49 R) returns to lead the offense and Ryan Grant (0-1, 14 SV, 26.2 IP, 18 SO), the national leader in saves a year ago, returns to anchor the bullpen.

After Wheaton, however, it will be a real battle for the final three playoff seeds. Last season, Springfield, Babson, MIT and WPI all won 20 games but the Beavers might be in the best position to challenge the Lyons. Babson brings back its top three hitters and three of its top four pitchers. Chris Kucher (.354 AVG, 11 2B, 4 HR, 24 RBI) returns as one of the top power threats in New England and Kyle Lyon and Matt Grenier combined to go 8-4 last year while allowing just 13 walks in 116.1 innings. Springfield has a chance to win 20 games for the second-straight season as junior Mike McGowan (.339 AVG, 12 2B, 22 RBI), junior Frank Calabrese (.338, 7 2B, 20 RBI, 24 R) and sophomore Steve Starr (.338, 49 H, 23 RBI, 32 R, 12 SB) all return offensively. Alex Williams (1-1, 3.30 ERA, 43.2 IP, 31 SO) will lead the pitching staff. A year removed from a trip to the NCAA tournament, MIT returns a veteran team in 2013 that can compete for a NEWMAC title. Senior Aric Dama (3-3, 3.04 ERA, 56.1 IP, 43 SO) will look for a bounce back year and sophomore K.J. Parent (4-1, 3.72 ERA, 36.1 IP, 20 SO, 3 BB) and senior Henry Zhu (2-3, 4 SV, 1.98 ERA, 36.1 IP, 22 SO) give the Engineers a chance to win every time out.

Of the remaining three, Coast Guard boasts the most experience. Nolan Gallagher (.341 AVG, 7 2B, 25 RBI) and Tyler Babkiewich (.314 AVG, 11 2B, 25 RBI, 24 R, 10 SB) return as the top two hitters for the Bears. A veteran pitching staff returns as well, led by senior Tyler Vieira (4-1, 4 SV, 2.30 ERA, 27.1, 25 SO, 4 BB) and senior Derek Petty (2-5, 4.55 ERA, 55.1 IP, 35 SO). WPI will have to fill the void left by four graduating seniors but junior David Trujillo (.328 AVG, 7 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 26 R) should make up for it. Trujillo also went 3-3 with a 3.10 ERA on the mound and the Engineers will also welcome back closer Taylor Landry (1-1, 5 SV, 2.21 ERA, 40.2 IP, 19 SO). Clark welcomes a 13-member freshman class in 2013 and they will have to mature quickly to compete in the NEWMAC. Senior Andrew LeBlanc (5-5, 3.21 ERA, 70.0 IP, 67 SO, 25 BB) can steal a game for the Cougars each time he toes the rubber.

Mike Rubino was a first team preseason All-American for Western New England. Western New England athletics photo

Commonwealth Coast Conference: One of the most diverse conferences in the region features Wheaton’s biggest challenger in 2013. Western New England has been the class of the CCC since joining the league in 2008, winning each of the five tournament championships. In all, the Golden Bears have reached the NCAA tournament each of the past seven seasons and return seven starters and four starting pitchers. Headlining the returnees is D3Baseball.com preseason All-Americans Tim Clark (.428 AVG, 80 H, 10 2B, 5 3B, 45 RBI, .975 fielding %) and Mike Rubino (.376 AVG, 74 H, 17 2B, 50 RBI, 43 R). On the mound, junior Brendan Nugent (10-1, 1.79 ERA, 85.2 IP, 55 SO, 14 BB) and sophomore Trevor Breton (8-2, 2.51 ERA, 61.0 IP, 47 SO, 20 BB) should help coach Matt LaBranche reach 400 career wins (5 shy) in short order.

Chasing the Golden Bears will be a host of schools that dream of an NCAA bid. Endicott has been knocking on the door the last two seasons and they will give WNE a battle again this year. The Gulls return 13 starters and will feature one of the fastest teams in the region. Last year, they stole 105 bases and bring back one of the region’s top base thieves in Tad Gold. The junior stole 22 bases last season and needs 13 this year to break the school record. Colin Sitarz (.307 AVG, 14 2B, 34 RBI, 30 R) returns in reach of four school records. Right behind the Gulls will be a up-and-comer in Gordon. After setting a school record with 15 wins last season, the Fighting Scots have their eyes set on breaking another school record and getting back to the conference tournament. Senior Brian Harrington (.378 AVG, 11 2B, 16 SB, 6-1, 3.18 ERA, 3 SV, 27 SO, 5 BB) will lead the way for a team that will feature 15 new players.

Sean Boyle returns to be Roger Williams pitching ace in 2013. Roger Williams athletics photo

The rest of the conference is up for grabs and should make for an exciting 2013 season. Curry won 12 conference games last season and this season welcomes back Dave Perdios to the dugout. Perdios left the program after 2010, posting 236 victories in 12 seasons, including a program-record 34 wins in 2009. The Colonels will have to fill some holes, however, as they lose their top two hitters. Senior Sam Barron (.342 AVG, 7 2B, 3 HR, 19 RBI) does return as the top offensive threat and Thomas Fitzpatrick (4-2, 3.13 ERA, 54.2 IP, 38 SO, 14 BB) will look to build off an impressive rookie campaign. Salve Regina will look to a trio of juniors to lead them this season in Dominic Di Sano (.384 AVG, 12 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI), Tyler Colby (.371 AVG, 4 2B, 11 R) and Daniel Donohue (.302 AVG, 6 2B, 24 RBI, 29 R). The Seahawks also return all but one of their victories on the mound.

Roger Williams will also look to make some noise this season as it returns its top hitter and top two pitchers. Senior John Oppenhimer (.331 AVG, 8 2B, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 20 R) is back to lead the offense and Sean Boyle (6-4, 3.26 ERA, 69.0 IP, 58 SO, 13 BB) and Chris Anderson (1-0, 2.78 ERA, 2 SV, 22.2 IP, 16 SO, 4 BB) are back on the mound. Wentworth returns one of the top two-way players in the region in senior Alex Wong (.367 AVG, 9 2B, 5 3B, 25 RBI, 36 R, 2-5, 2.44 ERA, 55.1 IP, 35 SO, 16 BB). John Spitz (.323 AVG, 17 SB) also returns after a strong sophomore season. Nichols welcomes the return of senior Cody Jankins (.282 AVG, 7 2B, 3 HR, 20 RBI). Looking to improve upon 2012, Eastern Nazarene will look to junior Anthony Berroa (.355 AVG, 9 2B, 4 3B, 20 RBI, 21 R) to lead the way.

Tucker White returns as one of the best hitters in the region for Southern Maine. Southern Maine athletics photo

Little East Conference: For the first time since 1999 Southern Maine was crowned Little East champion in 2012. The Huskies overcame a first-round loss in the conference tournament, winning the next four games to claim the title. This season, they are projected to repeat by the league’s coaches and should have a great chance to do so with the team they return. Senior Tucker White (.392 AVG, 10 2B, 10 3B, 7 HR, 49 RBI, 48 R, 14 SB) returns as one of the best hitters in the region and will be joined by fellow senior Nick Grady (.356 AVG, 12 2B, 6 3B, 5 HR, 39 RBI) and junior Forrest Chadwick (.322 AVG, 5 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 37 R, 13 SB). On the mound, the Huskies bring back junior Logan Carman (4-3, 4.97 ERA, 70.2 IP, 26 SO) and senior Nick Douglass (4-2, 2.45 ERA, 6 SV, 44.0 IP, 67 SO, 31 BB). Head coach Ed Flaherty enters the season just four wins shy of 800 in his career.

Right behind the Huskies will be Eastern Connecticut. The Warriors return one of the most experienced teams in the conference as eight of their top nine hitters and five of seven pitchers that logged at least 30 innings return. Senior Joe Balowski (.371 AVG, 17 2B, 3 HR, 37 RBI, 35 R) returns as New England’s top first baseman and he’ll be joined by 2012 LEC Rookie of the Year Adam Roderick (.364 AVG, 8 2B, 5 3B, 26 RBI, 40 R, 23 SB) and junior Danny O’Connell (.363 AVG, 10 2B, 34 RBI). Seniors Tom Darby (6-0, 3.12 ERA, 49.0 IP, 51 SO, 31 BB) and Evan Chamberlain (3-2, 3.04 ERA, 3 SV, 47.1 IP, 57 SO, 16 BB) will lead the Warriors on the mound.

First Team All-LEC right-hander David Hoey is looking to pitch RHode Island to another Conference title. Rhode Island athletics photo

After the top two, the rest of the league is a virtual toss-up. Rhode Island College returns some of the most experienced pitchers in the league in senior First Team All-LEC right-hander David Hoey (6-2, 3.02 ERA, 59.2 IP, 46 SO, 10 BB), junior C.J. Tsoumakas (4-5, 5.43 ERA, 63.0 IP, 70 SO, 15 BB) and sophomore Stephen Lapatin (4-2, 3.88 ERA, 51.0, 24 SO). They’ll have to replace All-LEC shortstop Kyle Allaire but they do return sophomore Dean Grasso (.372 AVG, 7 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 34 R). Keene St. faces the same predicament as it returns a healthy Eric Perrault (1-2, 3.46 ERA, 13.0 IP, 13 SO, 4 BB) and senior Chris Crutcher (6-3, 5.44 ERA, 49.2 IP, 23 SO) on the mound. Offensively, three of the top four Owl hitters were lost to graduation but senior Greg Bates (.361 AVG, 69 H, 15 2B, 64 R, 16 SB) returns as one of the top threats in the league. Western Connecticut led the country in home runs per game last season and will once again feature a daunting offense this season with the return of First Team D3Baseball.com Preseason All-American Conor Bierfeldt (.430 AVG, 16 2B, 6 3B, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 48 R), arguably the best hitter in the region. Senior classmate Chris Alberto (.333 AVG, 7 2B, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 39 R, 8 SB) will also fuel the offense.

Plymouth St. shocked everyone with its run to the LEC championship game a year ago but will need to fill some big holes in 2013. The Panthers lose their top two hitters but senior Ryan McIntosh (.305 AVG, 10 2B, 28 RBI, 32 R) returns on offense. PSU also loses two pitchers that threw over 60 innings each. Senior Rew Wilson (4-2, 4.79 ERA, 1 SV, 35.2 IP, 28 SO, 13 BB) is the most experienced pitcher that returns. Mass-Dartmouth returns three of its top hitters from a year ago in sophomore Alex Newton (.344 AVG, 10 2B, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 23 R), senior Matt Worden (.338 AVG, 12 2B, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 27 R) and sophomore Ryan Medeiros (.300 AVG, 10 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 20 R). Junior Karney Boff (4-4, 5.88 ERA, 56.2 IP, 37 SO, 13 BB) will lead the Corsairs on the mound. Mass-Boston returns a veteran lineup in 2013 led by senior all-conference selection Matt Congsiglio (.364 AVG, 9 2B, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 25 R) and junior All-New England selection Jamill Moquette (.377 AVG, 13 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 36 R, 28 SB). Senior Dan Heefner (4-4, 3.34 ERA, 62.0 IP, 33 SO, 13 BB) and junior Michael Boughton (2-4, 3.64 ERA, 59.1 IP, 22 SO, 4 BB) will lead the Beacon pitching staff.

Chad Rafferty (21-1) is two wins shy of the program record. St. Joseph's (Maine) athletics photo

Great Northeast Athletic Conference: One of the most consistent teams in the New England region, St. Joseph’s (Maine) resides in the GNAC, and the Monks have had their way of late. Over the last eight seasons, the Monks have won 30 games seven times, captured a conference title seven times and have played in six NCAA tournaments. Last season, they went 39-7 and were ranked 14^th in the final national poll. This season, they start at No. 14 and will welcome the return of First Team D3Baseball.com preseason All-American Chad Rafferty. The right-hander has proven to be one of the top pitchers in the region, posting a 10-0 record and a 1.71 ERA in 68.1 innings. He struck out 74 and walked just 20, improving his career record to 21-1, two shy of the program record. St. Joe’s also returns seven position starters led by Joe Coyne (.346 AVG, 12 2B, 24 RBI), Mike Pratt (.283 AVG, 14 2B, 6 HR, 35 RBI) and Brandon Chase (.354 AVG, 5 2B, 6 3B, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 26 R).

As it has been in the recent future, the Monks will be chased by Suffolk, Johnson & Wales and Anna Maria. Suffolk may have the best chance to catch St. Joe’s thanks to the return of a very potent offense. The Rams returns its top three hitters in junior All-New England first baseman Jake Cintolo (.365 AVG, 17 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 38 R), junior infielder Devan Jones (.329 AVG, 8 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 32 R) and senior utilityman Jhonneris Mendez (.311 AVG, 11 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 26 RBI). Mendez also went 6-3 with a 2.11 ERA in 59.2 innings. JWU finished just one game behind the Monks last season and they have a chance to catch them this year with the return of its four top hitters; seniors Brian Olofson (.351 AVG, 7 2B, 26 RBI), James Reyes (.347 AVG, 5 2B, 31 RBI, 32 R) and Zach Boyes (.345 AVG in just 19 games) and junior Alex Pezzuto (.340 AVG, 8 2B, 25 RBI, 26 R, 12 SB). Sophomore Shawn Haugh is coming off a great freshman season in which he went 6-0 with a 3.27 ERA over 52.1 innings. In its first season in the GNAC Anna Maria finished with 11 conference victories. They’ll have to replace Jeff Scafidi but six returning senior hitters should help that. Kevin Wodatch hit .333 with 13 doubles, six home runs, 31 RBI and 40 runs scored last season and will be joined by Mike Guarnieri (.361 AVG, 8 2B, 23 RBI, 30 R, 9 SB). Justin Hyland (7-1, 3.29 ERA, 52.0 IP) is the lone veteran that returns to a pitching staff that graduated four seniors.

Sophomore Fanol Prevalla hit .357 for Albertus Magnus in 2012. Albertus Magnus photo by Eric Brushnett

The remaining five teams will all battle for the remaining playoff spots. Albertus Magnus won seven games last season and returns three of its top hitters and two four-game winners on the mound. Fanol Prevalla hit .357 with 19 RBI, 22 runs and 12 stolen bases as a freshman and will be joined by senior Robert Gambardella (.311 AVG, 5 2B, 10 SB). Jim Stanley (4-3, 5.25 ERA, 36.0 IP) and Brian Levchuk (4-3, 4.93 ERA, 34.2 IP) will lead the pitching staff. Emerson qualified for the playoffs last season but will two of its top hitters. Cal Ciarcia (.262 AVG, 3 2B, 15 RBI) is the most experienced hitter that returns, and junior Nick Kelly (1-5, 4.64 ERA, 1 SV, 52.1 IP) will have to be the staff ace. Lasell will have to fill some big holes as three of its top four hitters and its top pitcher graduated. Bobby Stachura (.284 AVG, 4 2B, 30 RBI, 20 R) will have to lead the offense and sophomore Kevin Post (1-5, 5.87 ERA, 30.2 IP) is the most experienced returning pitcher. Rivier and Norwich will both look to turn the tide this season. The Raiders welcome back seniors Kyle Bowser (.271 AVG, 6 2B, 15 RBI) and John DiBenedetto (.321 AVG, 4 2B, 21 RBI) offensively, and all but one of their pitchers from a year ago. Senior Dustin Shimkus (.305 AVG, 20 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI) returns to Norwich as one of the top hitters in the league but the Cadets will need to improve upon their 9.96 team ERA.

New England Collegiate Conference: Daniel Webster earned the NECC’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament last season and the Eagles looked destined to repeat in 2013. DWC welcomes back its top four hitters, including seniors Darrik Marstaller (.353 AVG, 5 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 34 R) and Korey LeLievre (.307 AVG, 10 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 30 R, 14 SB). The Eagles will also enjoy LeLievre’s arm on the mound as he is coming off a season in which he went 5-3 with a team-best 2.14 ERA in 71.1 innings. Five-game winner Aaron Agrelo also returns after going 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 60.1 innings. He walked just five batters all season.

Becker catcher Todd Tompkins drove in 53 runs in 2012. Becker athletics photo

The Eagles, however, will have their work cut out if they want to repeat. Newbury, Becker and Mitchell all will pose a strong threat to DWC. Newbury are coming off the first 20-plus win season in program history but will have to replace NECC Player of the Year Alex Chetelat. Sophomore Steven Broy (.276 AVG, 11 2B, 2 3B, 26 RBI, 22 R) and senior Matthew Clawson (.283 AVG, 9 2B, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 30 R) return to lead the offense for the Nighthawks, while a veteran pitching staff returns. Senior Christopher Ninteau went 6-2 with a 3.45 ERA in 57.1 innings last season but the Nighthawks will need senior Zach Griesche (2-2, 3.49 ERA, 28.1 IP, 21 SO) and junior Travis Wade (2-4, 7.41 ERA, 37.2 IP) to step up with big innings. Becker brings back one of the top hitters in the region in Honorable Mention Preseason All-American Todd Tompkins. The Hawks catcher is coming off a memorable 2012 season in which he hit an astounding .492 with 12 doubles, six triples, five home runs, 42 RBI, 53 runs scored and 26 stolen bases. The Hawks will also welcome back junior Mike Marcello (.321 AVG, 20 RBI, 24 R) and senior Tom Natoli (.338 AVG, 13 2B, 3 3B, 38 RBI, 27 R). On the mound, junior Trenton Gibson (5-3, 6.26 ERA, 41.2 IP) and sophomore Keon Jenkins (5-1, 6.44 ERA, 36.1 IP) are both back after posting five wins last season. The 2011 NECC champion, Mitchell hopes the return of its top four hitters equals a turnaround in New London. Evan Peck (.371 AVG, 7 RBI, 20 R), Nick Carlson (.359 AVG, 8 2B, 10 RBI) and Drew Doyle (.319 AVG, 18 RBI) all excelled as freshman and will need to be better this year. The Mariners also bring back their top three pitchers, led by sophomore Justin Lemanski (3-3, 4.26 ERA, 44.1 IP, 20 SO, 10 BB).

Elms, Southern Vermont and Lesley all have their eyes on improvement in 2013. The Blazers made the NECC tournament last season with a 9-9 record and return junior Anthony Pagano (.396 AVG, 7 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 23 R) and sophomore Brady Forrest (.286 AVG, 7 2B, 22 RBI, 8 SB). Elms also returns all but one victory on the mound. Juniors Derek Leal (3-3, 4.98 ERA, 4 SV, 56.0 IP) and Curtis Lebeau (4-5, 6.35 ERA, 1 SV, 51.0 IP) combined for seven wins and all five of the Blazers’ saves. The Southern Vermont  Mountaineers have their eyes on a return trip to the NECC tournament and will welcome back three players that hit over .330 in 2012. Cody LaBadia hit .366 with 13 doubles, three triples, two home runs and 35 RBI as a freshman last season and will be joined by Sal Sciara (.350 AVG, 6 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 27 R, 10 SB) and Dillon Desiderato (.338 AVG, 7 2B, 29 RBI, 26 R). Kurt Kowalczyk returns after going 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 31.2 innings last year. Lesley posted eight wins last year after going winless in its first season in 2011. The Lynx welcome back leading hitter Tyler Plourd (.380 AVG, 6 2B, 17 RBI, 16 R, 10 SB) and their top two pitchers, Ryan Genua (2-4, 6.49 ERA, 51.1 IP) and Greg Anglin (3-5, 5.24 ERA, 46.1 IP).

Sean Riley was the 2012 MASCAC Player of the Year. Bridgewater State athletics photo

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference: Bridgewater St. has been on the top of the MASCAC for the past two seasons. The Bears second-straight championship in 2012 marked the first time a BSU team had won back-to-back titles since the 2003-04 seasons. This season, however, the Bears have a chance to make it three in a row. BSU returns two of the top hitters in the conference in seniors Sean Riley and David Pierce. The 2012 MASCAC Player of the Year, Riley hit .373 with 25 doubles, six triples, eight home runs, 40 RBI and scored 52 runs. Pierce led the team in hitting at .381 and also clubbed 12 doubles and drove in 40 runs. Still, the Bears hit just .292 as a team and will need more production from Tory Buck and Jose Polanco. On the mound, Bridgewater welcomes back ace Andy Sadoski for his junior season. As a sophomore, he went 8-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 62.2 innings.

Like many of the conferences in New England, the rest of the MASCAC will be quite the battle. One of the exciting parts about this season is the fact that all but one member of the All-MASCAC First Team returns. Framingham St. returns two first team all-conference selections to a team that went 10-4 in league play and won 26 games a year ago. The Rams welcome back their leading hitter in senior William Crofton (.364 AVG, 11 2B, 32 RBI, 32 R) as well as Justin Forman (.313 AVG, 7 2B, 2 HR, 18 RBI). On the mound, Matthew DiCato returns after posting a 7-3 record and a 2.97 ERA in 60.2 innings last season. Worcester St. had a down year in 2012, picking up just six league wins, but returns five of its six top hitters this season. Cody Osburn (.397 AVG, 6 2B, 3 3B, 20 RBI) joins Kurt Sabacinski (.336 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 25 R) as the Lancers’ top threats offensively. Seniors Nick Bonofiglio (4-4, 4.23 ERA, 55.1 IP, 36 SO) and Alex Teal (5-5, 6.04 ERA, 50.2 IP, 52 SO) return on the mound. Salem St. won 29 games last season and returns four first team all-conference selections in 2013. All-New England catcher Brett Cahill hit .361 last season with 10 doubles, four home runs, 42 RBI and 41 runs scored. Nick Conti is also back after collecting 17 doubles, three home runs, 33 RBI and scoring 38 runs. The Vikings also return six-game winners Ed Deren (6-3, 3.04 ERA, 53.1 IP) and Ryan Hyjek (6-2, 3.38 ERA, 58.2 IP, 46 SO, 14 BB) on the mound.

Junior outfielder Kevin Greene was the the Owls' only first-team selection on the All-MASCAC first team in 2012. Westfield State photo by Cindi Williamson

Those four should make the playoffs but Westfield St., Mass. Maritime, Fitchburg St. and MCLA all could play spoiler. The Owls lost four key seniors to graduation but do return first teamer Kevin Greene (.396 AVG, 13 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 32 R) and Andrew Medeiros (.310 AVG, 7 2B, 23 RBI). The Owls also bring back Mike Molta (3-4, 1.73 ERA, 52.0 IP, 41 SO, 14 BB) and Bret Siflinger (4-2, 3.50 ERA, 43.2 IP, 40 SO, 16 BB) on the mound. MCLA won 14 games last season and returns its top five hitters in 2013. Cody Weaver hit .356 with 11 doubles and 18 RBI as a sophomore and will be joined by sophomore Chase Preite (.258 AVG, 5 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 18 R). Joe Duncan returns for his senior season after leading the Trailblazers with 23 stolen bases and 29 runs scored. Ross Miner is back after going 3-5 in 44.2 innings a year ago. Bob Corradi begins his 41^st season at Mass. Maritime this season and welcomes back his top two hitters and his top pitcher. Bob Lee hit .351 with eight doubles, two triples and 19 RBI, while Bobby Rosano hit .340 with four doubles and a team-high 26 runs as a freshman. Chris Gallagher went 4-3 with a 4.97 ERA on the mound last year. Fitchburg St. struggled last season but welcomes back senior Cody Bamforth (.298 AVG, 10 2B, 30 RBI, 20 R) and senior Chris Rivera (.379 AVG, 8 2B, 2 3B, 14 RBI) on offense. Zach Bombria was stellar in relief last season, winning three of the Falcons’ nine games in posting a 3-2 record and a 5.73 ERA over 55.0 innings.

Bryan Wolfe will be back to play first base for the Bantams. Trinity (Conn.) athletics photo

New England Small College Athletic Conference: The team that emerges out of the NESCAC has made quite a run in the New England regional over the past several years. Trinity won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009 and jumped back on the scene in 2012, finishing third at the regional tournament. This season, the Bantams welcome back a good portion of that squad including leading hitter senior Stephen Rogers (.381 AVG, 6 2B, 7 3B, 6 HR, 36 RBI, 43 R, 13 SB). Senior Michael Rueger (.352 AVG, 16 2B, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 40 R) is also back to lead an offense that hit .315 as a team a year ago. On the mound, Trinity welcomes back Honorable Mention D3Baseball.com preseason All-American Sean Meekins (7-0, 1.90 ERA, 42.2 IP) after a stellar freshman season. Relief specialist Ben Goldberg also returns for his senior year after going 6-1 with five saves and a 1.80 ERA in 45.0 innings last year.

While Trinity returns a very formidable team, the rest of the NESCAC East will be right on its heels. Bowdoin brings back three of the top pitchers in the conference to a team that received an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. Senior Oliver Van Zant is one of the top power pitchers in the country and returns for his final season after posting a 5-3 record, 2.21 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 73.1 innings a year ago. Younger brother Henry Van Zant (4-3, 2.23 ERA, 2 SV, 40.1 IP) and junior Christian Martin (5-1, 3.06 ERA, 50.0 IP, 53 SO) complete a formidable weekend rotation. The Polar Bears also welcome back leading hitter Dan Findley (.349 AVG, 11 2B, 2 3B, 32 RBI, 20 R). Tufts stumbled in 2012 after claiming back-to-back NESCAC titles. This season, they’ll have to replace all-region third baseman Sam Sager. What they do return is sophomore Wade Hauser (.336 AVG, 6 2B, 40 RBI) and senior Eric Weikert (.294 AVG, 9 2B, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 33 R). On the mound, four-game winners Christian Sbily (4-3, 3.30 ERA, 43.2 IP) and Kyle Slinger (4-1, 5.45 ERA, 36.1 IP) return for the Jumbos. Colby hopes that sophomore Jason Buco can build off a rookie campaign in which he hit .380 and slugged .646. He had four doubles, five home runs, drove in 15 and stole 14 bases. The White Mules also welcome back senior Brady Hesslein (3-4, 3.54 ERA, 48.1 IP) on the mound. Bates returns all but one starter on offense and all but one pitcher on the mound. Griff Tewksbury returns for his junior season after hitting .375 with 13 doubles, three home runs and 27 RBI as a sophomore. Junior Tom Baroni (3-4, 2.75 ERA, 2 SV, 52.1 IP, 29 SO, 4 BB) and senior Michael Spinosa (4-2, 5.28 ERA, 46.0 IP) are the most experienced returning pitchers.

In the NESCAC West Division, Amherst lost its two top hitters in Mike Samela and Kevin Heller but return one of the deepest pitching rotations in the conference. That should help the Lord Jeffs account for the loss of offense and take the top spot in the west division. Bob Cook (5-0, 2.12 ERA, 46.2 IP, 33 SO, 7 BB), John Cook (4-1, 3.92 ERA, 41.1 IP), Dylan Driscoll (4-1, 4.17 ERA, 41.0 IP) and Fred Shepard (5-1, 6.86 ERA, 42.0 IP) all return on the mound for Amherst. Taiki Kasuga (.315 AVG, 9 2B, 32 RBI, 23 R) and Brendon Hardin (.345 AVG, 6 2B, 22 RBI, 29 R) will have to lead the offense.

Matt Kastner led the Ephs in batting with a .336 batting average. Williams athletics photo

Unlike in the east, Amherst’s hold on the top spot is not as secure as Trinity’s. Williams was hit hard by graduation as well but return some key offensive pieces in Matt Kastner (.336 AVG, 5 2B, 4 3B, 15 RBI, 22 R) and Luke Pierce (.297 AVG, 5 2B, 6 3B, 16 RBI, 15 R). The Ephs starting rotation will be bolstered by the return of Steve Marino (2-3, 3.91 ERA, 46.0 IP) and Thomas Murphy (3-3, 3.14 ERA, 51.2 IP). Wesleyan will feature a young team in 2013, rolling out a projected lineup that includes just two upperclassmen (both seniors). Sophomore Donnie Cimino (.400 AVG, 11 2B, 2 3B, 37 RBI, 33 R, 15 SB) returns after leading the NESCAC in hitting as a freshman. Senior Chris Bonti gives the Cardinals experience behind the plate and is coming off a season in which he hit .325 with 10 doubles, three home runs and 28 RBI. The pitching staff will also be young and void of any seniors. Jeff Blout (2-3, 4.36 ERA, 33.0 IP) will have to step up and be the ace of the staff. The Cardinals also added longtime Eastern Connecticut assistant Bob Wojick to the coaching staff. Middlebury will be competitive in 2013 with the return of three of its top hitters. Alex Kelly (.387 AVG, 8 2B, 23 R), Thomas Rafferty (.350 AVG, 6 2B, 17 RBI) and Michael Morris (.333 AVG, 11 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R, 11 SB) are all back. On the mound, Cooper Byrne (2-3, 4.45 ERA, 28.1 IP) returns after a solid freshman season and Andy Dittrich returns after posting a 0.00 ERA and a 3-1 record over 11 appearances spanning 18 innings. Hamilton returns one of the best hitters in the conference in D3Baseball.com Second Team All-New England selection Gabe Klein. He hit .351 with a .504 OBP to go with nine doubles, 17 RBI and 19 runs scored for the Continentals last season. Sam Fuentes is also back for his senior season after hitting .340 with six doubles and 14 RBI last season. Alex Pachella returns after posting a 3-2 record and a 3.98 ERA in 43 innings as a freshman.

Spartan first baseman Joe Borowski drove in 32 runs in 2012. Castleton State athletics photo

North Atlantic Conference: Castleton State has been the team to beat in the NAC for the past six years. The Spartans have won or shared the regular-season title in each of those six years but will have to overcome some heavy losses to make it a seventh-straight in 2013. New England Pitcher of the Year Tyler Erickson is gone and so is six-game winner Dakota Aker. Castleton does bring back one of the best players in program history in senior Ryan Zielinski. Already the program’s all-time leader in runs scored and RBI, Zielinski enters his final year with a chance to become the school’s all-time leader in hits, doubles and batting average. Last season, he hit .371 with 15 doubles, four triples, 45 RBI and 43 runs scored. Junior Joe Borowski (.327 AVG, 9 2B, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 37 R) also returns on offense. Senior Patrick Riley (6-4, 2.44 ERA, 70.0 IP) will have to become the staff ace this season.

Last season, the NAC was also home to one of the greatest stories in New England, the Thomas Terriers. Thomas went 25-17 overall and 19-5 in conference play, finishing second behind Castleton St. The key parts to the Terriers success return in 2013 and give them a chance to repeat that magic. Senior Jeff Richardson (.352 AVG, 11 2B, 17 RBI, 33 R) is back and will be joined by sophomore Ethan Hurley (.324 AVG, 7 2B, 29 RBI, 23 R) and senior Cody Vigue (.341 AVG, 11 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 29 R). On the mound, Jacob Chamblee (4-2, 4.43 ERA, 44.2 IP) will lead the staff in his final season and will be joined by sophomore Tim Locke (3-3, 2.86 ERA, 44.0 IP). Remarkably, no one on the Terriers staff threw over 49 innings last season. Husson finished right behind the Terriers and brings back all but one of its top hitters. Senior Jake Arthers (10 2B, 17 RBI, 20 R) will lead the offense and will get help from fellow classmate Shawn Smith (3 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 21 R). The pitching staff for the Eagles also returns mainly intact and will be lead by junior Pat McEwen (4-5, 4.52 ERA, 65.2 IP) and sophomore Joe Stanevicz (2-3, 4.95 ERA, 40.0 IP). Colby-Sawyer found its way into the playoffs in its first year in the NAC and made some noise, advancing all the way to the championship round before falling twice to Castleton St. The Chargers should have a chance to get back there as they welcome back their top three hitters from a year ago. Tyler Stotz (.339 AVG, 5 2B, 22 RBI, 20 R, 14 SB), Andy Lapple (.308 AVG, 5 2B, 16 RBI, 15 SB) and Sean Gavin (.298 AVG, 5 2B, 17 RBI, 26 R) are all back. Junior Kevin Keith returns to lead the pitching staff after going 7-3 with a 2.18 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 62.0 innings. Classmate PJ Singster (3-3, 2.50 ERA, 39.2 IP) will headline the staff with Keith.

Shortstop Pierce Byrd finished the 2012 season with a team-high 10 doubles. New England College athletics photo

The final three teams could easily unseat one of the teams mentioned above. New England College also enjoyed success in its first season in the NAC, going 21-17 overall and 8-16 in league play, missing the playoffs by just two games. The Pilgrims will be led by Pierce Byrd (.385 AVG, 10 2B, 18 RBI, 16 R) and Kevin Caputo (.294 AVG, 9 2B, 3 HR, 28 RBI). NEC also returns one of the most experienced pitching staffs in the conference. The Pilgrims’ staff will be headlined by Chris Wallace (4-3, 3.27 ERA, 44.0 IP, 38 SO, 13 BB), Andrew Guerico (5-0, 3.64 ERA, 42.0 IP, 33 SO, 15 BB) and Tyler Perrin (3-4, 3.71 ERA, 51.0 IP, 47 SO, 16 BB). Maine-Farmington will look to improve up its seven conference wins from a year ago as it welcome back four of its five top hitters. Colin Mello (.408 AVG, 3 2B, 12 R) and Matthew Woodbury (.320 AVG, 6 2B, 15 RBI) will lead the offense. Dale Winchenbach returns on the mound after going 4-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 27 innings last season. Lyndon State will also welcome back its top two hitters as Tyler Pelletier (.284 AVG, 6 2B, 16 RBI) and Robert Trucott (.272 AVG) return. Devin Rhodes returns to lead the pitching staff after throwing a team-high 43 innings as a rookie.