CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The University of Charleston Baseball team is ranked sixth in the Atlantic Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association; the organization announced last week with the release of its annual regional preseason polls.
East Stroudsburg was ranked first in the Atlantic Region after receiving eight of 13 first-place votes and a total of 118 points. Millersville occupied second place with four first-place votes and 117 points. The remainder of the top five featured Bloomsburg (104), Mercyhurst (86) and Seton Hill (73). Mercyhurst was the recipient of one first-place vote.
Charleston was slotted sixth in the region with 47 points. Slippery Rock (40), West Chester (32), Shepherd (29) and Pitt-Johnstown (19) rounded out the top 10 while Glenville State, Cal U, Concord, Fairmont State, Notre Dame, Shippensburg, Wheeling and Gannon all received votes as well.
Head coach Robbie Britt enters his 2
nd year leading the Golden Eagles after posting a 9-5 record in his COVID-19 shortened first season. Not only is Britt looking forward to getting back on the diamond, but also seeing the Golden Eagle talent put into action.
"Anytime you're recognized, it's always great", said Britt.
"It serves as a referendum on the people who have done the work before us and built that strong foundation for us to play upon. It's also a great reminder that we have to continue to work and build upon that great foundation. I know we look forward to that challenge of trying to exceed the expectations that have externally been put upon us."
The Golden Eagles are slated to return a great deal of talent for the 2021 season after losing just one starting position player (C, Nick Wilson) while bringing in a handful of transfers and incoming freshman with the ability to make an early impact.
"We only lost one position player off of last year's team", said Britt.
"Pitcher wise, we lost three individuals, but we return the rest. We are also bringing in freshman and JUCO guys that we believe can make an early impact."
Charleston is slated to take the field for the first time on March 2
nd when they host Salem at the Welch Athletic Complex. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM.
| NCBWA Atlantic Region Preseason Poll |
| Rank |
Team (1st Place Votes) |
Pts |
| 1 |
East Stroudsburg (8) |
118 |
| 2 |
Millersville (4) |
117 |
| 3 |
Bloomsburg |
104 |
| 4 |
Mercyhurst (1) |
86 |
| 5 |
Seton Hill |
73 |
| 6 |
Charleston |
47 |
| 7 |
Slippery Rock |
40 |
| 8 |
West Chester |
32 |
| 9 |
Shepherd |
29 |
| 10 |
Pitt-Johnstown |
19 |
| Receiving Votes: Glenville State, Cal U, Concord, Fairmont State, Notre Dame, Shippensburg, Wheeling, Gannon |
