Geneva returns just one starter from last year’s 15-win team, but the Eagles haven’t changed their expectations.
“We expect to compete for the (Chagrin Valley Conference) Lake Division title,” said Geneva coach Clay Fertig. “We have a young team with a sophomore core, but our pitching looks efficient, and our team wants to win games.”
The Eagles finished last season 15-7 with a loss to eventual state champion West Branch in the postseason.
Geneva is eyeing another competitive season.
“Our goal is to hang a banner and compete as deep as possible into the state tournament,” Fertig said. “We have a very tight community within our team and expect the young men to play selfless baseball.”
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Fertig is confident that the Eagles have the pitching staff and defense to achieve their goals this season.
“We have a solid infield and feature a competitive pitching staff,” he said. “We’re doing the work we can to get one percent better every day.”
Geneva returns just one player who earned All-CVC honors last spring.
Senior Andrew Oros, a Walsh University commitment, was a first-team all-conference selection as an infielder last spring. He’ll start at third base and pitch.
Nick Kustala, a move-in from Willoughby, and William Dushney will split time behind the dish.
Austin Murphy and Brendon Fobell will see time at first base, Ryland Besco and Kaiden Cottrell will play second, Logan Rustic and Nathan Hutchens are slotted at shortstop, and Oros and Trenton Parra will play third.
Kenton Fobell is projected to start in right field, Bryce Juncker is in center, and Owen Davis and Noah Hicks will play left field.
Brendon Fobell, Besco, Rustin, Juncker, Orow, Davis, Cottrell, and Hutchens will chew up innings on the mound for the Eagles.
“We expect a lot of guys to step up big this year and showcase themselves, not only as the talented ballplayers they are, but as great leaders,” Fertig said. “Andrew Oros is our team captain, and we look to him to lead the team through whatever adversity we play through. Alongside him, we have our infield captain Logan Rustin and outfield captain Bryce Juncker; these guys all do a great job of keeping the team working hard and making sure guys are doing the right things.”
Geneva may be young, but the Eagles are talented and are committed to doing what it takes to win ball games.
“In order to be successful this season, our team needs to be consistent and thrive off of a competitive mindset,” Fertig said.
