Erie, PA—The NCWBA released their Atlantic Region Preseason Poll for the 2021 season, the Lakers received 86 votes along with one first place votes. The 86 votes ranks the Lakers in fourth in the region, they were also just one of three teams to receive a first place vote.
The Lakers had a record of 5-3 before all sports were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the Lakers appeared in the Division II College World Series in Carry, North Carolina.
The Lakers will return 38 players from a season ago, while adding 20 freshman and 7 transfer students. Returning for senior season will be first basemen Josh Surowiec who had a team high .452 batting average in the 2020 season. Luke Baranchak will also return who hit .424 while hitting two homeruns a season ago. Senior Dominic Cecere will be back as well, Cecere played in all eight games last season while appearing 50 games in the 2019 season.
On the mound, senior Adam Jeannette returns, Jeannette posted a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings pitched. Michael McDonough also returns for his senior season; he posted a 1.42 WHIP while pitching a team high 12 innings as a junior. Overall a season ago the Laker pitching staff held opposing hitters to a .239 batting average while striking out 88 batters.
Joe Spano will enter his 22nd as the Lakers Head Coach, Spano has a career record of 654-383-3 overall and a 341-197-1 record in conference play.
The 2021 schedule has not been released yet, however fans are encouraged to follow @HurstBaseball on Twitter and hurstathletics.com for the latest updates!
