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The 2023-2024 Marian University Ancilla Charger baseball team opens their season with a great deal of optimism, marked by the return of 11 Sophomores, the addition of two transfer Sophomores, a nice Freshman class, as well as new Head Coach, Chuck Bowen.

Last season's version of the Chargers finished with a 9-37-1 record, including an 8-17 conference mark in the MCCAA (Michigan Community College Athletic Association). Notably missing from last year's squad are graduates Bryce Woodruff (59.2 IP, 67 Ks; 58 ABs, 4 SBs), Josh Ledgard (.267 avg, 4 HRs, 18 RBIs, 7 SBs), Nico Avila (87 ABs, 10 RBIs), and Kane Lutz (52 ABs, 2 SBs). Ledgard is now playing at the University of Northwestern Ohio.

Of the returnees, Sophomore shortstop Conner Boone (18.0 IP, 18 Ks; .353 avg, 28 runs, 15 RBIs, 14 SBs) should bring a lot of excitement to the lineup. The Frankfort, Indiana, native was the team MVP, a captain, and an MCCAA All-Conference selection as a Freshman. He provides excitement on the basepaths, plus he can step in and pitch when needed. Additionally, Boone has already committed to play at NAIA Cleary University once he leaves MUAC this Summer. Another key returnee for the Chargers is Sophomore catcher Austin Hear (17.0 IP, 13 Ks; .255 avg, 8 RBIs, 2 SBs). Hear was unfortunately limited to just 24 games a year ago due to injury, so Coach Bowen is excited to potentially have him available for the entire 2024 season. "Both Conner and Austin should be able to bring us experienced leadership, along with skill and talent in the field. We are lucky to have them back in our lineup this season, and we are happy for Austin's health." Additional Sophomores include: James Riddle of South Vigo High School, Nolan Green of Oregon-Davis High School, Nathan Marshman of John Glenn High School, Kennon Kemp of East Jessamine High School (KY), Hunter Smith of Mount Vernon High School in Fortville, Lincoln Parrish of Western Hills High School (KY), Christian Conder of Chesterton High School, Jomar Negron and Rudy Ramos of Penn Foster High School (PA), Tyler Bumbalough of Columbus East High School, and Matteo Lindia of Notre Dame High School (CN).

Speaking of Coach Bowen, he is one of the new "additions", but really scoots over from Assistant Coach to Head Coach. His excitement and energy has been noticeable throughout the school year already, and he has been fully engaged in recruiting and building this program into a consistent winner. Assisting Coach Bowen this year are James Bendy, Scott Green, Matthew Pittney, Cooper Gean, and Joshua Bendy.

Within the Freshman class, Coach Bowen is looking to get some solid pitching from the group. Aiden Diaz, of San Antonio, Texas, could be an anchor for the Chargers and will get a chance to start some games from the outset. He is a fireballer who should produce a lot of strikeouts from the mound. Jaden Franceschina, of Twin Lakes High School, could be another key rotation pitcher who can give the Chargers quality innings with his steady and consistent pitching. And Nico Galea, of Mishawaka's Marian Catholic High School, is a crafty pitcher who could split time between the rotation and coming out of the bullpen. Blaze Schultz, of South Vigo High School, looks to provide consistent utility work in the infield and outfield, plus he is a contact hitter who should be able to put the ball in play often. Fellow rookie Cade Riley, of Henryville High School, is another utility player who should hit a little for average and with a little power for the Chargers. Coach Bowen is thrilled about this rookie crop, adding, "Aiden earned many accolades in high school and looks to contribute as a two-way player, between pitching and playing second base. Jaden looks to continue his success from last year and could anchor our rotation. Nico posted a 12-1 record on the bump at Marian, and he should bring instant help to our pitching staff. Blaze and Cade give us more versatility within our lineup, plus Blaze can pitch some, if needed." Additional Freshmen who could contribute include: Diego Pettiford and Shak Davis of Crispus Attucks High School, John Morgan of Lawrence North High School, Cooper Gorgievski of Perry Meridian High School, Traevyn Shoaf of Benton Central High School, Jacob Hobbs of Warren Central High School, Isaiah Steinhilber of Boone Grove High School, Christian Cox of Fort Wayne's North Side High School, and Andrew Oger of Mount Vernon High School in Fortville.

All in all, Coach Bowen can't wait to get rolling this season. "The team and coaching staff alike are eyeing the single-season record for wins this year. The guys have worked hard throughout the Fall and Winter months to prepare, and the fine details will help this team win ball games. Making routine plays and minimizing the mental mistakes will help keep the tough innings from spiraling out of control. The resiliency that was engrained into the Sophomores last season will prove to be another significant component to the success of this year's team. The amount of playing time they compiled as Freshmen should hopefully put MUAC Baseball a step ahead of most of their opponents. I want this team to be a turning point for Charger baseball. I want the success, grit, and character of this team to jumpstart a program that exemplifies greatness for many years to come. This team is committed to playing for each other and putting the team before self, and that is what we want our program to always be about."

The Chargers began their season this past weekend with a 4-game series at Southeastern Illinois College. They next take to the field for four games in a round robin event this coming weekend at Vincennes University. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. ET Saturday against the host Trailblazers. Please come out and support the Charger baseball team this season!!