WELLS — After an 8-8 regular season and early playoff exit in 2016, the Wells baseball team hopes to take one step further in 2017, and feels that it has the pieces to get the job done.

Despite losing six seniors to graduation, the Warriors return three, three-year starting juniors from last year’s club. They also welcome a handful of young players that look poised to make an impact on the diamond.

 “With a great mix of veterans and youth and only one preseason game played it will be fun to see how fast this group can come together,” said Wells coach Todd Day.

The Warriors will be led by their three captains: pitcher Cam Cousins, who recently competed in the Class B State championship in basketball, shortstop Liam Bell and catcher Michael Wrigley.

Wells also returns 2016 impact players such as Tyler Bridge, Andrew Skeats, Ryan Sousa and John Miles.

The Warriors will look to two freshman to contribute. Tyler Carpenter and Matt Tufts look to get some starting play in the outfield, thanks to strong spring training performances, according to Day.

Despite having a limited amount of practice and scrimmage time this spring, Day has confidence in his club, and expects them to compete for a title while also developing its young core.

“We always have a team goal of making the tournament as a top-five seed as well as playing sound fundamental baseball. This group is working extremely hard to meet and exceed those expectations,” said Day. “If we overcome the lack of preseason games and develop pitchers who throw strikes and compete we will be a very tough out.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323.