Coach: Ryan Palmer (fourth year)
Last year’s record: 18-2, Class C state champions
Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Jack Brown (1B), Brian Volkernick (Util); Juniors — Tyler Frost (C), Kaine Hutchins (P/INF), Mitch Kubesh (SS); Sophomore — Gavin Arsenault (P/OF).
Key losses: T.J. Frost, Hunter Ross, Chad Snowman, Brett Whittemore, Spencer Trenoweth, Robbie Babb, Nick Young, Justin Chartier.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Nick St. Germain (1B/DH), Anthony Todd (OF), Cody Dolloff (2B), Nick Hall (3B); Sophomore — Gus Brown (OF), Barry Campbell (IF); Freshmen — Bryce Whittemore (C/OF), Gavin Hebert (IF).
Season outlook: The Cougars graduated seven starters and have just two seniors on the roster but will still be one of the strongest teams in the MVC. Hutchins and Arsenault are a formidable 1-2, and there are plenty of arms to minimize their work load during the regular season. The top of the order has a lot of pop, with Frost, Hutchinson, Todd and Brown, who is coming off ACL surgery. If they can plug some holes defensively, a third straight title and fourth in five years could be in store.
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