Cirella tabs three seniors and a junior to lead squad in 2020

NEWPORT, R.I. (February 4, 2020) -- Salve Regina University head baseball coach Eric Cirella has tabbed three seniors and a junior to lead the defending Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) champions in 2020 - outfielder Zach Barlok (Cheshire, Conn.), catcher Dylan Ketch (Clinton, Conn.), pitcher Patrick Maybach (Saunderstown, R.I.), and infielder Madden Ward (Clinton, Conn.).

"We are very young, but we have a lot of tested older guys who have played in at least one or two conference championships and NCAA Regionals," says Cirella. "Every senior, junior and sophomore knows they have to do more this year to help drive the bus, as these four guys cannot do it alone. I expect major contributions behind the scenes from so many of our older guys. Through week one in the spring it has been a fun group to coach."

The Seahawks (28-18 overall in 2019, and 8-6 in CCC regular season) earned the conference's fourth seed in the postseason and suffered a tournament-opening loss to fifth-seeded Nichols College before earning victories in four-straight must-win games to reach the championship series at Roger Williams University. In another must-win situation on Saturday, May 11, Salve Regina swept a pair in Bristol to earn its third conference crown in four years and 10th title overall.

Cirella on Barlok:
In my opinion, Zach has the best attitude of any position player on our team day to day. He is as consistent of a person that you will meet and his greatest strength is that he challenges the other players and coaches to do the same. That is what I love most about him. Like Dylan, he knows the system and has the mental makeup of a coach on the field. He got a chance to be an everyday guy last year and ran with it towards the latter half because we knew what he was going to bring day in and day out to the lineup. I expect him to continue to empower the younger players and to be that glue that holds us together while we play a difficult and challenging schedule. I know he will do it with passion in his heart as well as a smile on his face.

Cirella on Ketch:
Dylan is another second-year captain who has done everything I have asked for the last three-plus years. He's been an All New England outfielder and has a legitimate shot to be one of the top catchers in the region this year. He is a dynamic player who can help us win with power, speed, or getting on base to keep the line moving. He understands the game like a coach and provides great defensive strength and stability for us as a leader behind the dish. It has really been fun to sit back and watch Dylan develop into a more complete player every year. I expect him to help teach the young guys how to go about their business the right way as we head into our 2020 campaign.

Cirella on Maybach:
Pat is the ultimate lead-by-example guy, but I hope he can continue to be more vocal in his second year as a captain. His worth ethic and attention to detail should be a carbon copy for success used by every pitcher who puts on a Seahawk baseball uniform. When he steps on the mound, he is always prepared and there is a feeling within our team that we can beat anyone in the country on that day. He battled some injuries last year but has prepared himself to lead a challenge-tested staff in 2020. I fully expect the pitchers to take the next step this year and having Pat around every day has helped bring some of the younger guys along faster than expected.

Cirella on Ward:
I can't think of anyone who has improved more than Madden over the course of a year. As a junior captain, he is as athletic of a player you will see in the CCC this year and he can do it with his glove, his bat, or his speed and versatility. Defensively, he wants the ball hit to him and he makes some of the hardest plays look easy. I'm really proud of the adjustments Madden has made offensively so far this year, as I expect him to be mentioned in All Region conversations in a couple months. He is a great teammate and the guys really respect how he works. His calming presence in the infield helps everyone. Along with Anthony Cieszko (Woodcliff Lake, N.J.), he will anchor our middle infield and bring maturity and leadership to the position.

Salve Regina opens its season hosting Fitchburg State University on March 1 at Reynolds Field.