WEST WINDSOR – Following a strong recruiting season, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) once again looks to be a national power in Division II baseball, with sights set on the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series.

The Vikings open their season Feb. 27 against UConn-Avery Point with a 31-man roster. The team welcomes 20 freshmen, which Head Coach Kevin Kerins expects to contribute starting on opening day.

"This year’s team has several new players we are excited about,” Kerins said. “The coaching staff did an excellent job replacing the 11 players we sent to Division I and II schools, as well as the Major League draft."

Kerins said he will rely on the experience and leadership of his sophomores this upcoming season, including infielder Austin Constantini, pitcher/first baseman Zach Gakeler, pitcher/third baseman Austin Lindsay, and pitcher Christian Waters. Infielder/outfielder Anthony Boselli and infielder Erik Bowren, redshirt freshmen, also bring experience to the team.

With several power arms on the roster, Kerins said pitching will be a strength for the Vikings. But, he added, it doesn’t end there.

"Our goal every year is to win games in a variety of ways,” Kerins said. “We expect our pitching staff to lead us, but we also have team speed and athleticism."

The Vikings face a grueling 37-game schedule before the Region 19 Tournament, with 24 of those games on the road and including a week-long tourney at Myrtle Beach, S.C., starting March 11. But Kerins said the team is up for the challenge.

"This schedule has multiple trips down south and should test and prepare our players for the playoffs in May,” Kerins said. “As a coaching staff we believe we have many interchangeable parts this year, and we will get contributions throughout our roster."

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