ANNVILLE, Pa. - With a mix of youth and experience, Lebanon Valley College will hope to rebound from a down 2008 season as it opens up the 2009 baseball schedule this Sunday against Alvernia University in Fort Pierce, Fla.

The Dutchmen, 12-24 a year ago after capturing the Commonwealth Conference regular-season title in 2007, have been picked sixth in the league's preseason coaches' poll, receiving 13 votes overall.

Elizabethtown and Messiah, both with 29 points and three first-place nods, have been selected as co-favorites. Widener is third at 24 points, and Albright and conference newcomer Arcadia are tied for fourth with 16 votes.

LVC will need to regroup after the graduation of all-time hits leader John Mentzer '08 and second-team all-conference pitcher Andrew Pipkin '08, who will join head coach Keith Evans' staff this year as an assistant coach.

A large 11-member freshman class will help fill the gaps for a team that lost four everyday infielders from last year.

Leading the returners is first baseman Joe Soupik, who turned on the power last year to hit .364 and slug .545 with 21 RBI and three home runs, walking 19 times. Beyond him, however, the infield is up for grabs among freshman and a few returners with experience. Senior Bert Malloy could see some time behind the plate this year along with newcomer Dustin Adam; Malloy started in the outfield last year and hit .256, but he also made two late-season starts at catcher. Brent Ruminski played 13 games at either second base or shortstop last year, hitting .303 in the process, and Nate Blough made four starts at third, batting .235.

In the outfield, Joe Kopchick returns after hitting .245, and Grant Wiest hit .262 in 22 starts last year. Brandon Stoothoff also saw time in the outfield and at DH late last year.

The pitching staff has several experienced returners, including Shane Specht, who had a 5.94 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 36.1 innings; Blough, who led the staff in innings pitched with 44.2; and Nick Faria, who went 3-3 last year. Last year's closer, Jake Becker, will take on a starting role after posting a 5.64 ERA and holding opponents to a .271 averaged in 22.1 innings of relief last year. Charley Kline, southpaw Caleb Fick, Pete Moro, and a host of freshmen will also figure into the rotation.

LVC will play its home opener March 12 against Frostburg State University at McGill Field.

Commonwealth Conference Pre-season Baseball Poll

1t. Elizabethtown - 29 points (3)
1t. Messiah - 29 points (3)
3. Widener - 24 points
4t. Albright - 16 points
4t. Arcadia - 16 points
6. Lebanon Valley - 13 points