The Lobo baseball program is entering the season with confidence and focus, aiming to make the playoffs. After last year’s early exit in the first round, this year’s team believes they have the talent, chemistry and preparation to go much further.

Players on the team expressed hope about what the team can achieve. Going from preseason preparation into actual games and practices, manager Isaiah Cerda talks about how the group feels together and prepared for the upcoming challenges. 

“We have great chemistry, and we are really good,” Cerda said. 

A lot of the confidence comes from their preparation. As the team enters the beginning of the season, junior Noah Rincon emphasized how committed he is to staying ready.

“I will put 100% into everything whether I’m on or off the field,” Rincon said. 

Part of what sets this year apart is the roster, which brings new faces and new energy. Reflecting on what makes this year’s varsity different from the previous, outfielder Caden Thomas pointed out the significant changes. 

“All the players and a lot of new people,” Thomas said.

The Lobos know what it looks like to make the playoffs but fall short. Looking back on last year, Thomas states how fast their run ended.

“We went to the first round and lost,” Thomas said. 

On varsity since freshman year, junior Jacob Fliehler recalls all the memories he has made on the team, even the most memorable ones. 

“My favorite memory is probably the last two weeks of the season last year when we beat Cypress Lakes to go to the playoffs,” Fliehler said. 

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, junior Brian Keister has some ideas of what will happen.

“Lock in mentally and physically,” Keister said. “We are going to sweep the whole district.”

Baseball may be a game of physical skill, but for this team, preparations start before they step onto the field. They’ve built a pre-game ritual that helps them stay grounded and connected, and according to outfielder Cole Haynes, it’s become a key part of their routine.

“We pray and take deep breaths,” Haynes said. 

The Lobos are focused on using their preparation and chemistry to push further than last year. With confidence, they are ready to prove themselves and chase a successful playoff run.