Liberty lost eight of nine position players from a year ago, but if recent history has taught us anything about Liberty baseball, it’ll tell you that doesn’t really matter.

The Hurricanes have been the cream of the crop in District 11, playing in the last four district title games. They fell short last year in the finals to Parkland, losing 1-0, but then made a run to the state semifinals to finish off a 22-7 campaign.

Veteran coach Andy Pitsilos is back for a 23rd season and his expectations always remain consistent with his program.

“We bring back five veteran pitchers but are replacing eight of nine position players,” he said. “With the leadership of the pitching and the adoption of a team concept on offense, we can compete to win a division, EPC and District 11 title.”

Back in the fold for Liberty are Daniel Alcantara (Jr. MI); Kyle Brandt (Jr. P/OF); Dimitri Condoulis (Sr. P/OF/IF); Brogan Perreault (So. 3B/P); Fikire Conway (Sr. P/OF/1B); Willie Cruz (Jr. SS/P); Dereon Ellis (Jr. OF); Liam Fitzpatrick (Sr. P/OF); Ezikial Frack (Sr. 2B); Christian Hackett (Jr. C); Brady Heffernan (So. 1B/OF); Brayden Kashner (So. C/1B/P); Colin Panik (Sr. 3B); Joel Schrekinger (Jr. C); Rocco Sciarra (Sr. P/MI); Jacob Strong (Sr. OF) and Colden Wainwright (Sr. OF).

It was a murky start to the year for the ‘Canes as well, losing to Whitehall 9-1 and Hazleton 10-4 last week.

They have Bethlehem Catholic, Pleasant Valley and Northampton on tap this week.