Coach: Eric Palleschi (11th year)
Conference: MVC Class: C
Last year’s record: 16-2, lost in Class C West semifinals
Returning players: Senior — Noah Bates (2B); Juniors — Nick Sanborn (P/OF), Jariah Caissie (3B), Chandler Harris (2B/SS/P), Tommy Small (IF/P); Sophomore — Hunter Richardson (SS/P).
Key losses: Kyle Fletcher, Nate Gagne, Brandon Goff, D.J. McHugh, Alex Curtis, Phil Rowe, Brett Wilson, Jake Weeks.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Gage Cote (C); Sophomores — Avery Amero (P/OF), Travis Hartford (1B), Matt Foulke (IF); Freshmen — Nick Dovinsky (C/OF), Avery Pomerleau (OF).
Season outlook: Monmouth graduated 10 players and lost 12 in all from a team that suffered a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs to eventual regional champion Sacopee Valley. With only one senior in the lineup, the Mustangs will rely on leadership from multi-sport standout Richardson, Lewiston transfer Cote, and Sanborn, who excelled in several big spots as a relief pitcher last season. Caissie also started as a sophomore, so the left side of the infield is strong. How the younger talent stacks up around those four will determine if the Mustangs are able to stay near the top of the MVC.
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