2017 Sierra Vista Baseball Capsule

SIERRA VISTA

Head coach: Joe Moyes, first season

2016 record: 21-20 (9-5 Division I-A Sunset, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (five)

Top players: UTL Matt Vanderberg (Sr.), OF/SS Cooper Kitrel (Jr.), C/1B Stone Kaleopaa (Sr.), 1B/P Zach Kreithe (So.), C Nick Lasker (Sr.), P/UTL Hunter Wood (Sr.)

Outlook: Last year’s Division I-A runners-up have gone through some changes in the past nine months. New head coach Moyes has six returning lettermen and a lot of new faces.

“It’s a very young squad with a handful of experienced players looking to compete,” Moyes said. “The pitching has been overhauled with one junior and two sophomores pegged as the initial starters. A strong, experienced catching corps should help stabilize a young pitching staff.

“The defense and offense can be solid at times, but will need to be more consistent to compete at the higher level this year. The coaching staff is relying on a strong chemistry to help the team succeed.”