GRAND VALLEY STATE LAKERS (28-23 ALL, 15-13 GLIAC/5th)

2019 Grand Valley State Preview

Grand Valley State enters the 2019 campaign with a strong nucleus of returnees and group of newcomers that will be expected to make an immediate  impact. Head coach Jamie Detillion, who is set to begin his seventh year at the helm of the program, looks to get his squad back to the NCAA Tournament. GVSU finished 28-23 overall in 2018 and 15-13 in GLIAC action.

The Lakers return a potent punch in the middle of the lineup with senior OF Jacob Gleason and junior 1B Ryan Blake-Jones. Gleason, who was First-Team All-GLIAC and all-region performer a year ago, hit .385 with 72 hits, 50 RBIs and 49 runs scored. In addition, Gleason ranked among the league leaders in home runs (10) and doubles (12). Blake-Jones, who also garnered First-Team All-GLIAC honors and was an all-region performer, hit .407 with 74 hits, 51 RBIs, 44 runs, six home runs and nine doubles.

Senior OF Zach Berry returns after a solid junior campaign in which he hit .291 with 46 hits, 40 RBI, 39 runs scored and seven home runs. Senior OF Chase Carpenter and sophomore OF Drake Ellens are returning letterwinners that will push for playing time in the outfield, while junior college newcomers Jonathan Catapano and Stephen Pim will also be in the mix to make an impact. Senior Alex Mandeville and juniors Nathan Bonter and Nate Chase will complete at second base, while junior college transfer Parker Murdie and sophomore Christian Faust will handle shortstop. Junior Anthony Cocco is slated to hold down the hot corner. Junior college transfers Joe Laudont and Ryan Lorber will handle the action behind the plate.