Oct. 25, 2006

Garden City, N.Y. - Last season the Panthers grinded out a third place conference finish, posting a record of 16-11 and 21-23 overall. So during their fall schedule Head Coach Dom Scala wanted to take try some new things. "We approached things a little different this year than in the past," Scala explained. "I told everyone we are starting from scratch. This team could be the most talented that I have had since I have been here." With only six seniors on the roster, competition at every position will continue to keep things interesting.

In 2006, Adelphi showed a lot of heart and desire in a come from behind playoff win against ST. Thomas Aquinas College, earning the right to play New Haven in the conference semifinals, where the season would end. Most teams would consider that a successful season, not Scala, "If I had to describe the last season in a single word I would have to say, inconsistent."

However, Scala is again optimistic about this year's team. "I brought in 11 new players, who are a combination of Junior College and High School Seniors," Scala stated. "We are very deep, especially on the mound, we have 15 pitchers, I am confident that if they keep progressing as they did in this fall we will be competing for a conference title.

Scala has just two goals for the 2007 season, to win the East Coast Conference championship and cap it off with 30 wins. "I told my players that our talent will make us competitive, but our attitude and aggressiveness will make us champions," Scala explained.

The Panthers have even used a different approach in batting practice, hit with wood bats for the first month of the fall, to improve offensively. "I wanted the players to concentrate and hit the ball on the sweet spot with the wood," Scala commented. "When we went back to aluminum they were really driving the ball."

Scala feels that pitching and defense will hold the fort until the offenses comes around. "We have some big hitters in the middle along with speed in front and in the back," Scala stated. "I saw some great offense this fall from guys that I felt would do the job when they were recruited, but if you want to see the names of the people we need to help us win this season, go to the roster. I need them all."