2009 Westminster Christian Warriors

The Warriors embark on a new era after graduating all-area pitcher Ben Palmer (Dallas Baptist), all-area catcher Carter Ward and all-area shortstop Cory Hodge, among many talented seniors who put the program on the map.

However, some experienced players return from last year's team that went 25-10 and lost in the Class 1A sectional finals to Immaculate Conception. Senior Brandon Siewert (8-2, 3.39 ERA, 632/3 IP), a 2008 all-area pick, will top the rotation along with senior Steve Berglund. They'll be joined by two up-and-coming freshmen - Ryan Perez and Kevin Elder.

Chadd Schroy returns at a corner outfield spot, Zach Holmer moves to shortstop to replace Hodge, and Jake Moeller and Berglund will play in the outfield. With many of their power hitters now graduated, the Warriors will take on a different persona in 2009.

"This team doesn't have near the athleticism that we had before, but we're going to do what we can to stay in games," eighth-year Westminster Christian coach Jeff Moeller said. "Pitching-wise we don't have a Ben Palmer, but we have depth, and we're probably deeper overall than we were last year. We just don't have an absolute shut-down guy, so we'll have to play good defense, small ball and pitch the ball a little bit.

"Our goal is always to go deep in playoffs, which is why we play the competition we do to get ready. We're trying to instill in our kids to be a scrappy, hustling team that never gives up. That's our focus. We'll do what we always do - work the fundamentals and play basic baseball."