by Reagan Bednar ~ Guest Writer
The nationally ranked University of Lynchburg baseball team is set to begin their 2023 campaign in Demorest, Ga.. They have been preparing all fall and winter championship goals in mind.
After ending their season last year in the first round of the NCAA Regionals, followed by a loss in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference finals, this year’s team is hungrier than ever for a championship this upcoming season.
Graduate outfielder, Jackson Harding, said, “The team’s goals this year are very simple; to win a conference championship first and to win a NCAA regional. We had a good season last year, but were not able to accomplish either of these things, allowing us to readjust our sights on our goals for this year.”
The Hornets were ranked 16th in the national preseason poll and second in the ODAC preseason poll. The team is lifted up by team veterans who have seen what it is like to win championships. Harding remarks, “With the amount of fifth year guys and seniors, it allows us to have more leaders within the program and gives younger players the ability to learn from many different people.”
The Hornets are set to open their season on the road this weekend against three talented opponents. Senior outfielder, Dylan Fisher, said, “The three teams we play in Georgia will be tough, especially with them being our first few games. However, I think we are a skilled enough team to compete with anyone, and we can start off the season 3-0.”
The Hornets will travel to Piedmont College this Friday Feb., 17 to take on the Wilmington College Quakers in their season opener. To follow the Lynchburg Baseball team this season, please visit https://www.lynchburgsports.com/sports/bsb/index.