Whitehall senior Jack Lloyd didn’t hold back his feelings about his expectations for the Zephyrs’ season ahead. He already sees a tight bond formed.

“I think we are going to have a solid baseball season,” beamed Lloyd, who went 5-1 with a 2.20 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 52 innings. “We have a great group of guys. We have a very strong connection within the team.”

Whitehall is coming off a 15-7 season in which it lost to Bangor 12-8 in the District 11 Class 5A championship game. The Zephyrs hit .312 as a team and pieced together a five-game winning streak and won eight of their last 11 games.

Whitehall opened the season with a 9-0 thumping of Liberty. Shortstop Tyler Sanders had three hits and four RBIs. Junior Nik Christman allowed two hits and struck out three over five innings.

Aside from Lloyd and Sanders, returning are fellow seniors outfielder/pitcher Sudge Hoderewski, second baseman Donato Brigidi, first baseman Chase Miller, pitcher/utility Dylan Grohotolsky, outfielder Jules Alartzas, and outfielder Tanner Sweeney.

Also back are juniors third baseman Kolby Miller, and catcher Callen Nicklas along with sophomore pitcher/infielder/outfielder Henry Shultz.

Head coach Eric Schmitt believes his team will be in contention again.

“We have many seniors and players with varsity and postseason experience,” Schmitt said. “Our frontline starting pitching and defense will be our strength.

“Our lineup will be retooled, and players will need to step up to fill spots lost to graduation. We know we will have the pressure of expectation, and the players have been working hard to meet that challenge.”

Hoderewski, who was the leading scorer for the basketball team, is ready to make the transition. He hit .366 last season with 25 RBIs.

“I’m super excited for senior year,” gushed Hoderewski. “This group is close and the seniors we have are all leaders in their own way. When we talk about goals it’s not one it’s all of us and that’s to win championships.

“I think for myself, especially since it’s senior year, it will take major adjustments to get back into baseball shape after basketball. A great senior season on the court and a day later on the field is a big change. But I’m ready for anything thrown at me and just need to settle in.”

Lloyd is keeping everything in front of him.

“My goal this year is to win EPCs (East Penn Conference) and districts and make a solid run in states,” boasted Lloyd “I’m getting back into things pretty quick. I’m ready for this year because it is going to be special.”