With two straight appearances in the Class D semifinals, Loudonville Christian has become one of the elite baseball teams in Section II.
The question is, can the Eagles remain elite? Coach Tim Phelps believes they can.
“I think we have a lot of depth, both in terms of offense and pitching,” said Phelps. “Hopefully, they’ll play up to expectations.”
Loudonville Christian has seven returning players from last year’s squad that lost in the Sectional semifinals, including senior centerfielder Ryan Paulsen, senior pitcher/first baseman Chad Spence and senior third baseman James Hilton.
“Those three seniors, I expect big things from them,” said Phelps.
Shortstop Brendan Bellanti and second baseman Ryan Phelps are also back, giving Loudonville Christian an experienced defense.
“We have our whole infield back, and the pitchers we have coming in are very good,” said Phelps.
Loudonville Christian’s first goal is to take back the Central Hudson Valley League title it lost to Rensselaer last year.
“Rensselaer is the returning champion. They’ll be very good again. They have the best pitching,” said Phelps. “Germantown is also going to be very good.”
Loudonville Christian opens its season with a non-league game against Maple Hill Thursday. The Eagles’ Central Hudson Valley League opener is Monday, April 8, against Berlin.