LAKEVILLE - With 11 returning letterwinners back at LaVille, head baseball coach Brian Lawler is looking forward to playing some games and seeing where his veteran club starts the season. LaVille looks to improve on a 13-16 mark a year ago, including 7-7 in the Hoosier North Athletic Conference. "We feel like we have an experienced and talented group of returners and young guys who are working hard," said the Lancer boss. "This is a good group. It was a good start to the 1st week of practice as we were able to be outside on the field. We are looking forward this week to practicing outside and ready to see how we are in the first couple of games." Gone to graduation are Konner Quinn, Ross Wagoner, Noah Rush, and Alex Summers. Within the 11 players returning, the Lancers have veterans in key spots up the middle and on the bump. Among those back are senior Lucas Plummer, juniors Collin Czarnecki, Sean Kubsch, Karson Quinn, Andrew Wolford, sophomores Braedyn Foster, Andre Gonzales, Caleb Howard, Bradyden Schwitz, Riley Filley, and Joey Drinkwine. When looking at the returning players, the middle of the Lancer defense moves to the forefront. Quinn returns at catcher, while pitching, shortstop, and second base will change, depending on the pitching rotation. Plummer and Wolford, along with Czarnecki, Schwitz, and Gonzales give the pitching staff experience and talent. "We return a lot of innings from last year and our catcher, too," says Lawler. "Karson Quinn will be behind the plate again this year as he has been really the last 2 years. He is a solid blocking catcher with the ability to throw runners out. It is always nice to have experience behind the dish. "With the return of Lucas Plummer and Andrew Wolford in the starting rotation we have plenty of experience and talent. They will keep us in ballgames and give us a chance to compete as long as we can field it and get some timely hitting. Also look for Collin Czarnecki, Brayden Schwitz and Andrea Gonzales to pitch a lot of innings for us as well. All three pitched last year and we are looking forward to seeing them compete on the mound." To continue the strength in the middle of the infield, Lawler alluded to Plummer, Czarnecki, and Wolford sharing duties between shortstop and second base. At the corners, the Lancers are expected to start the season with Foster and third, along with Kubsch at first." "The infield will depend on who is pitching but look for Plummer, Czarnecki, and Wolford to be up the middle," said Lawler, who is 119-89 at LaVille. "Once again all three spent some time there last year and we like the experience they will bring. At the corners you should see Sean Kubsch at 1st base and Braeyden Foster at 3rd base." In the outfield, a couple new faces step in to defend the long ball. "The early thought in the OF will include Gonzales in CF and Schwitz in LF," Lawler said of potential gap busters. "Look for Riley Filley and Caleb Howard to help in the OF as well depending on who is pitching." LHS finished 7-7 in HNAC play, tied for fourth with Knox and Winamac. North Judson-San Pierre won the league title, closing at 12-2. "The HNAC will be another tough run as we prepare for the last season in this conference," Lawler noted of the loop schedule. "It is always a challenge, and we really like playing teams back-to-back with a home and away game." LaVille was to open the regular season against Oregon-Davis, but the Bobcats did not have enough players for the March 27 game. Lawler's club will now open the season on March 29 at Argos. The first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. Lawlers club will participate in the IHSAA 2A Sectional 36 at Wabash High School. Joining LaVille in the six-team field will be Bremen, Manchester, Pioneer, Pioneer, and the host Apaches. BHS eliminated LaVille in the semifinal round last year on the way to the sectional championship. 2024 LAVILLE BASEBALL Head Coach: Brian Lawler (119-89 in 10th season at LaVille) Assistant Coaches: Scott Wieczorek, Bob Harvey 2023 Record: 13-16 overall (7-7 HNAC) Letterwinner Lost (4) - Konner Quinn, Noah Rush, Alex Summers, Ross Wagoner Letterwinners Returning (11) Senior - Lucas Plummer (INF/P). Juniors - Collin Czarnecki (INF/P), Sean Kubsch (1B), Karson Quinn (C), Andrew Wolford (2B/P). Sophomores - Joey Drinkwine (2B), Riley Filley (OF), Braedyn Foster (3B), Andre Gonzales (CF/P), Caleb Howard (OF), Brayden Schwitz (LF/P) Newcomers (4) Freshmen - Cameron Brown (OF/INF), Brenden Goffinet (OF), Israel Miller (1B/P). Collin Slisz (C/3B) Opener: March 29 at Argos, 5 p.m. 2024 LAVILLE BASEBALL March 29 @ Argos, 5 p.m. April 5 v. JOHN GLENN, 5 p.m. April 9 v. BREMEN, 5 p.m. April 11 @ Plymouth, 5 p.m. April 12 v. SOUTH BEND RILEY, 5 p.m. April 13 v. JIMTOWN, 10 a.m. April 15 v. *CULVER, 5 p.m. April 16 @ *Culver, 5 p.m. April 18 v. BETHANY CHRISTIAN, 5:30 p.m. April 20 v. *PIONEER (dh), 10 a.m. April 25 v. *CASTON, 5:30 p.m. April 26 @ *Caston, 5:30 p.m. April 29 @ *North Judson, 6 p.m. April 30 v. *NORTH JUDSON, 6 p.m. May 3 v. FAIRFIELD, 5:30 p.m. May 4 @ *Winamac (dh), 10 a.m. May 8 @ Culver Academy, 5 p.m. May 9 @ *Knox, 5:30 p.m. May 10 v. *KNOX, 5:30 p.m. May 11 Elkhart Christian Academy, 11 a.m. May 13 v. *TRITON, 5 p.m. May 14 @ *Triton, 5 p.m. May 22, 27 IHSAA 2A Wabash Sectional, TBA June 1 IHSAA Regional, TBA June 8 IHSAA Semi-State, TBA June 14 IHSAA State Finals, TBA June 15 IHSAA State Finals @ Victory Field, Indianapolis, TBA HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Indicates Hoosier North Athletic Conference Game Home Games Played At LaVille HS Baseball Field, unless indicated otherwise