Suns Baseball Have High Expectations for Postseason Return in 2019

The 2019 CVC Suns Baseball Team will be looking to regain form this spring after going 22-26 in 2018 with a fifth-place finish in the Metro Athletic Conference (now Dallas Athletic Conference) missing the post-season. Cedar Valley is two years removed from their historic 37 win season in 2017 and despite taking a step back last season, the expectations for the team remains the same says, Senior Head Baseball Coach, Robert Dally. 

"My expectations and team goals will not change," says Coach Dally. " Year in and year out I expect our student-athletes to compete and contend at the highest level. I am very confident this year's group will live up to their expectations!"

This season's squad of returnees make up a baker's dozen of Suns that earned honors in 2018 such as RHP/INF Blake Birdwell (MAC Pitcher of the Week), RHP Noah Lynch (TXNMJC All-Star, 2x MAC Pither of the Week), 1B/OF Grant Moore (TXNMJC All-Star, All-MAC Team), OF Billy Rogers (TXNMJC All-Star, All-MAC Team, NJCAA & MAC Position POW) and UTL Jamison Totten (TXNMJC All-Star, All-MAC Team). Coach Dally has expressed that this group really exemplifies leadership and self-motivation and creates a competitive atmosphere that was seen during spring ball. "I think the atmosphere is different than last year. The team chemistry and leadership is positive. We have some guys that get after it!"

Heading into this season, so far eight student-athletes on the team have committed to continuing their education and athletic careers at four-year universities or colleges. Some may seem that this could make the season easier with college decisions already made for some players, but Coach Dally says no season is easy, but it gives players peace of mind when they hit the diamond. "The student-athlete can now concentrate on just playing and helping the team win. They no longer need to stress or worry about where they're going to play next year or needing to strikeout everyone or hitting a 10 run bomb. They can now go out on the diamond and compete, play the game right, and enjoy the game they love.   

New faces that are expected to make an impact for CVC includes UTL Jose Castillo (Sunnyvale, TX/Sunnyvale HS), SS Ben Cross (Sherman, TX/Sherman HS) and RHP/1B Ryan Ratliff.

CVC begins their journey to the NJCAA Division III Baseball World Series on Saturday when they host Vernon in an "Opening Day Doubleheader" and then on Monday they will face Hill.