After a disappointing loss in the CCS Tournament last year, the Piedmont Lions look to bounce back with a more experienced and veteran group.
With the Lions bringing back All-Region seniors Zeke Swartz, Trace Cate, and Braden Simms. Coach Justin Scali and the Lions will have a statement year on the mound in 2025.
“We have a very committed group, and it starts with our senior class, which has done a great job of leading or creating expectations from a preparation standpoint,” said head coach Justin Scali, who is entering his 9th season at Piedmont.
Preparation is key to the Lions starting the season on the right foot. “We’ve been preparing for the long baseball season physically and mentally to keep our bodies going and to perform at our highest as the season goes along,” said senior Kyle Carlson.
This year, the Lions start their season in California to compete against Chapman College and other high lever Division Three schools.
“This year, we’re trying to play the most difficult schedule we can. Strength of schedule is a vital factor if you don’t win your conference and you’re still trying to get an at-large selection for the National Tournament. Strength of schedule is the first thing the committee will look at,” said Coach Scali.
Team chemistry is huge to the Lions. Leaning on each other this year to compete and prevail through this tough schedule is key to having a successful season.
“We got great depth this year. Our entire team has a lot of trust in each other, and everyone is holding themselves and their teammates accountable,” said graduate senior Trace Cate. “We know we’ll be hard to beat for any team.”
“We’re here to put new banners on the fence I’d like my players to be focused on getting better day by day, and with that result, we’re gonna do some special things,” says Coach Scali as
The Lions will travel to Orange, California, on Feb. 14 to compete against Chapman University.
