Westminster baseball was chosen to finish third in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference West Division, based on a poll from the league's head coaches.
The Blue Jays received one first place vote and 34 total points in the poll.
"All in all we have the makings of nice season. Pitching has potential of being solid and keeping us in games," said Westminster Head Coach Denny Hughes. "The defense should be very solid. If we can produce at the plate, I like our chances this season."
Westminster is coming off of its fifth straight 20-plus win season in 2017, including its third straight season of playing in the SLIAC Championship game.
The team will look to continue its success in 2018, despite losing four seniors from a season ago. Westminster boasts another strong senior class, including second baseman Blake Strebler, who was an All-Conference and All-Region selection a season ago and looks to improve on his strong numbers at the plate from last season. Adam Mundle, a staple on the Blue Jay infield, Mason Price, and center fielder Nick Bohlmann round out the returning seniors.
Along with strong returning offense, the Blue Jays have two returning pitchers who posted at least seven wins apiece last season, including the SLIAC Newcomer of the Year Sam Huesgen and All-Conference selection Alex Dickneite.
Trevor Rhoads and Ryan Klimkiewicz both split time at third base last season and will look to solidify their roles this season. Will Stonecipher will remain a strong bat in the middle of the lineup, returning for his sophomore campaign.
"We feel newcomers Ryan Clavin, Ian Cassidy, Skyler Dickneitte, and Drew Boessen will complement our returners and feel optimistic about the potential of this young pitching staff," added Hughes.
Westminster opens the season Feb. 24-25 with a road trip to Ozarks College in Arkansas for a three-game series.
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