A Season for the Ages
 
The Molloy baseball team reset the record books in 2022, winning its second consecutive East Coast Conference Championship, going on to the NCAA East Super Regional and coming within one game of a trip to the Division II National Championship Tournament. The Lions collected a historic 40-15 overall record including 16-2 in league play. The cardinal and white's success and veteran leadership had them postseason and battle tested for a deep run. After falling in the opening game of the conference tournament, the Lions ran off four consecutive victories including a thrilling four hour and 35-minute 12-10 victory over Queens College to capture the ECC Championship.
 
The success earned Molloy the second-seed and a host site in the NCAA East Regional Tournament. The Lions rode the momentum of an ECC title and homefield advantage to take two-of-three from the Ravens of Franklin Pierce to advance to the Super Regional to take on top-seeded Southern New Hampshire. Molloy ultimately fell to the Penmen losing two-of-three in New Hampshire.
 
With 27 returning players, including two top pitchers in the rotation, highlighted by reigning ECC Pitcher of the Year Charlie Cucchiara, the cardinal and white enter the 2023 season the overwhelming favorites to collect its third straight conference title. 2022 Co-Coach of the Year Joe Fucarino returns to the dugout for his 18^th season, and brings in four transfer student-athletes and five freshmen to round out the roster.
 
Around the Diamond
 
Molloy brings an experienced infield into the 2023 season, especially up the middle. Graduate student Robby Keane returns to his home at second base, coming off a season where he hit .292, collected 23 RBI, and seven extra base hits, while striking out just 13 times. His counterpart is junior Chris Einemann who moves from the hot corner to shortstop this season. The 6-5 Lynbrook native hit .312 in 2022 and was one of the best gap to gap hitters in the conference, collecting 20 extra base hits highlighted by 17 doubles and knocked in 44 RBI good for fifth in the ECC.
 
Perhaps one of the biggest bats to return in 2023 is graduate student Jake McCarthy, who missed most of last season is expected to take over the first base responsibilities. The 2021 All-Conference Second Team selection hit .329 that year on 46 hits, two home runs, and 26 RBI and brings veteran leadership and a power bat into the middle of the lineup. Across the diamond junior Aidan Larkin is expected to fill the void at the hot corner. The Hofstra transfer comes to Molloy after appearing in 39 games with the Pride, hitting .233 with one home run and eight RBI while collecting eight RBI. Hailing from Huntington, the third basemen provides balance to the lineup hitting from the left side.
 
Behind the plate, the cardinal and white return junior Matt Yip. He appeared in 18 games a season ago making 12 starts behind the dish. The Williston Park native slashed .286 last year, with a .415 on base percentage, and slugging .500. The backstop is expected to be a force in the heart of the lineup.
 
In the Outfield
 
The Lion's outfield benefits from youth and experience entering the 2023 campaign. Junior Garrett Scavelli takes his rightful place in centerfield. While returning with excellent speed and a cannon of an arm, the Franklin Square native rounds out the heart of the Lions order. The 2021 All-Conference Second Team selection collected a .312 batting average in 2022, totaling 49 hits, 14 doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBI while swiping 12 bases.
 
After patiently waiting for his opportunity, junior Anthony Manisero will call right field home in 2023. Arguably the most important piece off the bench last season, the junior provides power, speed, and balance in the outfield and the lineup. After appearing in 30 games including seven starts a season ago, the junior peppered a .475 batting average, slugged .675, and got on base at a .596 clip. The Staten Island native added 19 hits, five doubles, 15 RBI, and stole nine bases.
 
In left field, sophomore JJ DeVito is expected to take the reins. After missing all of 2022 due to injury, the Wantagh native looks to provide a spark atop the lineup as the table setter with power and speed.
 
On the Mound
 
The pitching staff is led by senior Charlie Cucchiara who took home All-Conference First Team, CCA All-Region First Team and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Second Team honors a season ago. The right hander finished 2022 with an 8-1 record while posting a 2.91 ERA with 58 strikeouts, and recorded one save in the NCAA East Regional against Franklin Pierce that propelled the Lions into the Super-Regional.
 
After setting the program record for wins in a season, graduate student Mike Andreoli is set for another year in cardinal and white. The lefty led the East Coast Conference with 11 wins posting a 4.24 ERA in 87 innings. The Wantagh native collected All-ECC First Team and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Second Team recognition in his first season in Rockville Centre.
 
Graduate students Brian Morrisey and Robert Lucano are expected to round out the rotation. After transferring from Stony Brook, Morrisey, was a catalyst out of the bullpen a season ago collecting five saves. The 6-6 right hander struck out 30 batters a season ago and was the winning pitcher in game three against Franklin Pierce that sent the Lions to the Super Regional.
 
Lucano saw time in 11 games a season ago including four starts. The left hander tossed 32.1 innings in the 2022 campaign to collect four wins.
 
The pitching staff is under the tutelage of new pitching coach John Cooley who comes to Molloy after a one-year stint at Farleigh Dickinson University.
 
Looking Ahead
 
The Lions begin its quest for a third consecutive ECC title this year, but will have to compete with plenty of young and hungry teams chomping at the bit for the crown.
 
Molloy opens the 2023 season Friday, February 17 against Felician as part of the Morehead City Challenge in Morehead City, North Carolina. The cardinal and white will play three games in North Carolina and four in South Carolina in the Northeast Challenge before returning home for its much-anticipated home-opener against local rival Adelphi Friday, March 3. ECC play is slated to start Friday, March 24 at Mercy and the season will conclude Saturday, May 6 in a non-conference game against Pace. The Lions will look to compete for a ECC Championship beginning May 11.