With ten seniors returning to this season’s varsity campaign, including St. Joe’s bound Marc Giacalone, the New Providence baseball team seeks vast improvement from last year’s 7-14 season, where ten of those defeats were by three runs or less.

 Despite the loss of second basemen Michael Felezzola and outfielder Matt Schwartz, a majority of the Pioneers’ starting lineup in the field and their top four pitchers, in terms of innings pitched, make this New Providence team poised for a run in both the UnionCounty and State tournament, according to the coaching staff and players.

 “I think we have the potential to make a pretty deep run in both tournaments,” head coach Chris Brodeur said. “I think we should compete for the conference title as well.”

 Why the Pioneers have the potential to have such a phenomenal season is thanks in part to the offensive firepower returning this year, which will pay an integral part in the success of the team.

 Giacalone, who doubles as the Pioneers’ star shortstop and relief pitcher, batted .470 last season and reached base at an astounding rate at .580.

 Offensive minded senior third baseman Bryan Sherman, who led the team with 39 hits last year, as well as aces Dean Bogdanovic and David Gelormini, also look to key the success of the Pioneer team.

 “I feel that our experienced senior class is beneficial to the success of the team,” said Giacalone.  “After all, the majority of us have been playing together since we were ten years old.”

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  “It will be a team effort to come to play together as one,” said Giacalone.  “Everyone will need to mesh together to play at a high level.”