West Windsor, N.J. -- As the MCCC baseball team gets into its season - as of March 2, the team is 3-1 - the Vikings are looking to four returning sophomores to lead the way. Significant contributions are expected from the team's three co-captains, short stop Mike Constantini (Yardville, NJ/Steinert), third baseman Rick McLauglin (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) and pitcher Chris Rupprecht (Morrisville, PA/Pennsbury), as well as outfielder Ian Moyer (Chesterfield, NJ/ Northern Burlington), who was selected to the 2011 First Team All-GSAC and Second Team All-Region. Freshmen standouts include outfielder Dan Denton (Newtown, PA/Council Rock North), pitcher Paul Piromali (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West), catcher/designated hitter Darren Heisse (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy), and catcher/designated hitter Pat Fedorko Lawrenceville, NJ/Lawrence).

Coach Kevin Kerins, who has taken over the reins from Matt Wolski, predicts that his squad has the potential to be very strong offensively as well as defensively. "Our lineup is deep and we should be able to put a lot of pressure on our opponents from top to bottom," he said.

The biggest challenge for the Vikings is likely to come from the pitching mound. "Our pitching staff is talented, but young," Kerins said. "Most of them have not experienced the long college season. They will be counted on to throw more innings than they have in the past."

Kerins notes that the competition in the region is likely to be tough again this year. Lackawanna College is the returning Region 19 champion, and Del Tech Owens and Burlington County College are also likely to be highly competitive.

Kerins predicts that the Vikings will advance to the Region 19 Tournament, which will be played at Mercer from May 11-13.

Kerins will be assisted by Fred Carella and Shawn Reindel.

For the season schedule, click here. The team roster is available here.