From IUP Athletics:
The IUP baseball program slotted third in the 2024 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) preseason coaches’ poll in the western division, released by the league Thursday afternoon.
Seton Hill was the favorite in the PSAC West with seven of eight possible first-place votes, followed by Mercyhurst. IUP slotted third, looking to continue the upward trajectory of the program under head coach Steve Kline.
The Crimson Hawks were also receiving votes in the NABC Atlantic Region Preseason Poll.
California (Pa.) was fourth, followed by Gannon, Slippery Rock, Pitt-Johnstown and Clarion in the West. In the PSAC East, Millersville is the preseason favorite with seven first-place votes.
West Chester and East Stroudsburg followed in second and third place, respectively, each picking up a first-place vote.
Last season
IUP posted a 25-29 mark, going 15-12 in PSAC play and making the conference tournament.
The Hawks made their deepest PSAC Tournament run since 2011, beginning the run with an 8-1 win over top-seeded Millersville last May.
Who’s back for IUP
Harrison Pontoli, a preseason NCBWA All-Atlantic Region Honorable Mention selection, headlines the returners for IUP in 2024. Pontolli is a two-time All-PSAC selection who ranks among the program leaders in several categories, including doubles (10th; 32), hits (12th; 156), RBI (12th; 100), walks (8th; 75) and stolen bases (9th; 29).
Also returning is speedy outfielder Au’Sean Owens (19 SB), catcher Davin Landers (.342 AVG, 7 2B), infielders David Kessler, Andrew Sicinski, Brady Yard and Peyton Johnson. In the outfield, Zach Miller and Elijah Dunn both return with starting experience in 2023.
On the mound, starters Mark Edeburn (4 CG, 46K), Jimmy Tooley and Derrick Shields (3.79 ERA, 47 K, 61.2 IP) look to anchor a deep pitching staff for the Crimson Hawks.
Follow
For coverage of the IUP baseball program, follow the Crimson Hawks on X (Twitter) and Instagram @IUPBaseball and online at IUPAthletics.com.
2024 PSAC Baseball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
WEST (# of first place votes)
1. Seton Hill (7)
2. Mercyhurst (1)
3. IUP
4. California
5. Gannon
6. Slippery Rock
7. Pitt-Johnstown
8. Clarion
EAST (# of first place votes)
1. Millersville (7)
2. West Chester (1)
3. East Stroudsburg (1)
4. Shippensburg
5. Kutztown
6. Bloomsburg
7. Shepherd
8. Mansfield
9. Lock Haven
