Forecast

The Cincinnati Christian baseball team has won three straight Miami Valley Conference Grey Division titles. This season, after losing seven seniors to graduation, the program's depth will be tested.

The Cougars' four returning starters will be the nucleus of this inexperienced squad.

Keep an eye on

Josh Lanphier: An all-MVC selection as a sophomore, Lanphier will catch and bat third. The junior also may see time at pitcher.

Nate Reiser: An athletic center fielder, Reiser is healthy after sustaining an injury during the football season.

Brian Kirschbaum: The jack-of-all-trades junior will see time at pitcher, shortstop and in the outfield.

Caleb Hollandsworth: The "unflappable" right-hander will be the Cougars' opening-day starter.

Chris Gortner: A "well-rounded" player, Gortner will see time at first and third base.

Quotable

"We hope to have some power, but at the same time, we want to be fundamentally sound," CCS coach BIll Lanphier said. "The ability to bunt, hit-and-run, do the little things well — that's what we're focusing on."

Last season

13-6 overall, 9-1 MVC