The National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association (NCBWA) Atlantic Region preseason poll has placed West Chester in the fourth position, as announced on Monday afternoon.
Coming off a successful 32-20 campaign last year that saw them advance to the NCAA regional tournament, the Golden Rams are poised for another competitive season. With six position starters and four starting pitchers returning from the previous season's squad, West Chester has a solid foundation. Notably, 2022 closer Kyle Lazer (Havertown, Pa./Msgr. Bonner & Prendie) is back after missing the entire previous year.
On the offensive front, the Golden Rams welcome back their top four hitters from the previous season, all of whom boasted batting averages over .300. The quartet includes catcher John DeMucci (Swarthmore, Pa./Msgr. Bonner & Prendie), outfielder Evan Profy (Croyden, Pa./Harry S. Truman), Joe Kaleck (Southampton, Pa./Neshaminy), and second baseman Zack Miles (Hatfield, Pa./North Penn).
The preseason favorite in the poll is Millersville, the defending Atlantic Region champions, securing nine first-place votes and totaling 114 points. Seton Hill takes the second spot with two first-place votes and 110 points, while East Stroudsburg claims the third position with one first-place vote and 94 points. West Chester secures the fourth spot with 75 points.
West Chester kicks off its 2024 campaign on February 23 at Glenville State University. The Golden Rams will face D'Youville and last year's NCAA Tournament opponent, Charleston (WV), during that opening weekend.
The Golden Rams open the home portion of their 2024 schedule when they host Jefferson on March 6.
Team (First Place Votes) – Points
1: Millersville (9) - 114
2: Seton Hill (2) - 110
3: East Stroudsburg (1) - 94
4: West Chester - 75
5: Mercyhurst - 70
6: Charleston - 48
7: Frostburg State - 35
8: Concord - 30
9: Shippensburg - 29
10: West Virginia State – 22
