Through their first 17 games of the season, the Sharks stand with a record of 13-4. The team’s record will be put to the test as they play six conference matches over the next two weeks.
As of March 12, NSU has posted the highest slugging and on base percentages in the conference. In addition, they have the second highest batting average and have hit the second most home runs.
Prior to the season, Greg Brown, head coach, said he wanted the team to cut down on strikeouts. He said the team has accomplished that.
“I think the biggest key is that we’ve not struck out,” said Brown. “We’ve had productive at-bats, and the guys have done a great job buying in. This being my second year, I think that they’ve bought into our system.”
Senior outfielder, A.J. Regoli, leads the conference with seven home runs and has the highest slugging percentage. One of those home runs was a walk-off that pushed the team to beat Barry on Feb. 28. Regoli called the moment one of his most memorable moments. He said he has been impressed with how the team chemistry has evolved throughout the season.
“As a whole I think we’re coming together a little better,” he said. “The team chemistry is coming out. We know how to pick each other up when things are going bad and when things are going good. I think we know how to run with it. Overall, I think we’re doing pretty well,” said Regoli.
Sophomore pitcher, Zachary Westcott, has made four starts this season and won them all. He credited his teammates for the success.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work this year, and I know everyone on the team put in a lot of hard work. A lot of those games I won, I’ve been throwing well, but at the same time, our bats have really been putting it together, and we’ve been taking care of the baseball defensively. You can’t really put it on me, it’s more of a team thing,” said Westcott.
Both Westcott and Brown said the SSC is the toughest conference in the nation. Westcott said he’s excited about the upcoming conference games.
“I’m looking forward to those matches,” said Westcott. “I like our conference series [matchups] a lot. They get me really fired up, and I know a lot of the other guys get really into the games.”
The team will play a three-game series against Eckerd, March 23-24 and a three game series at Barry, March 30-31.
