Raiders Look For Continued Growth in 2011
The 2011 Rivier College Baseball team will look to make a long awaited return to the GNAC playoffs. The four returning starters from the 2010 squad know what it takes and have dedicated themselves to leading the new comers in their quest for a playoff berth. A transfer student and a former New Hampshire high school star will play key roles in the transformation process. The sophomores will be well served in their knowledge that they can win at this level. The freshman will play significant roles in the growth of this years squad. With the upper classmen shouldering the majority of the load, the freshman class will have time to grow into the players that they all want to be. A tough out of conference schedule should provide the experience for the all important conference schedule.
The Returners
Senior Captain Tyler Eaton (OF, Waterville, ME) brings the most experience into the 2011 season. Eaton will be counted on to regain the form that led to the All Conference honors that he won as a sophomore. Sophomore Aramis Velez (1B, Lowell, MA) was voted onto the GNAC Third Team All Conference last year.
Kyle Bowser (OF, Newington, NH) will look to improve upon his freshman campaign. Bowser will provide steady leadership both on and off the field. Ford Coates (C, Raymond, NH) will solidify the catching duties for the Raiders. Coates should offer great role model qualities for the new players.
New Comers
The junior tandem of Kevin Romero (IF, Waterbury, CT) and Kevin Weaver (IF, Hudson, NH) will provide both the returners and the newcomers with invaluable experience. Romero is a transfer from Edward Waters College. Weaver is a former standout from Alvirne High School who gained his experience at Division II power Franklin Pierce University. This middle infield pair have looked silky smooth turning the double play and have stood tall in clutch hitting situations.
Sophomore Justin Chenevert (OF, Tewksbury, MA) will be returning to diamond after a year on the Raiders Lacrosse squad. Chenevert was originally recruited to play baseball, but instead tried his hand at LAX. Chenevert was a standout pitcher and outfielder in high school and Coach Rob Ciarlo is looking for him to return to that form after a year off.
This year's freshman squad bring a load of enthusiasm, cockiness and exuberance for the game. John Basurto (IF, Newark, NJ) should help bolster the Raiders infield play. A late inning replacement, Basurto can also handle the bat when the Raiders play situational baseball. Mike Fecteau (OF, Epping, NH) will start the season as a weekday (non conference) starter. Fecteau should work his way into a weekend (conference) starter by the middle to end of the season. Zach Goldberg (C, Nashua, NH) will be counted on heavily behind the plate when Coates steps onto the mound. Nathan Knezevic (Utility, New Boston, NH) could find himself in a corner infield or outfield position. Will be a consistent option as a pinch hitter. Nathan Knoetig (IF, Manchester, NH) should work his way to the top of the rotation very shortly and will pay dividends by being able to play multiple positions.
JJ Montello (IF, Nashua, NH) is one of the biggest surprises of the spring. Montello has made great strides with the bat and will solidify the infield. Greg Sierra (IF, Bronx, NY), a very versatile player, will fill an outfield position and use his speed in the base paths.
"The coaching staff is very pleased with the 2011 squad. This should be a very resilient bunch. They don't know what they don't know. We want them to play with a wild abandon. If you make a mistake...so what...apologize if you have too. Move on, be better the next time. No one should be too concerned with one play or one day." Says Coach Ciarlo.
