GLENSIDE - The Arcadia University baseball team is set to defend its 2025 Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) Championship when it kicks of the 2026 season this weekend.

Head coach Chuck Thielmann enters his third season at the helm of the Knights and discussed his expectations for the upcoming season: "The expectations don't change too much this year," Thielmann explained. "We obviously want to win the conference again, and I think we have had the regional blues a little bit where we have gotten to the Regionals but not to the Super Regionals so I think the expectation again is to get to Regionals and we are looking to get over the hump and get to Supers."

On the mound, returners include Jeremy Coccia, Xavier Sjostedt, Anthony Rosario, Andrew Tyszka, Patrick Dougherty, Joey Elmes, Jadon Dormer, Sage Goeke, Dylan Rasco, Gavin Kincs, Carter Oviatt, Evit Dwyer, Braden Kelly, and Luke Hinkle. First-years, transfers, and players who were out last season and will look to make an impact in their first trip to the mound include LJ Wolff, Ryan Ament, Miles Cherico, Aidan Lysik, Victor Nardone, Brock Haynes, Christian Clauss, Teddy Meade, Will Buchan, and Brock Robbins.

Behind the plate, Peter Trendafilov returns as the leader in experience for Arcadia. He will be joined by Nick Yedman and newcomers Jake Keirstead and Hunter Dicarlantonio.

On the infield, the Knights return a wealth of experience as Joshua Agriesti, Ryan Radigan, Eric Shandler, Taro Pustilnik, and Derek Rivera saw the majority of time at the four spots. Solomon Abdullah returns while newcomers Chris Quick and Will Childs will look to break through in year one.

In the outfield, Kevin Wheeler leads the group as a two-time First Team All-MAC Freedom selection.  Max Oswald and Thomas Strauch return to form the trio who appeared in the three outfield positions most in 2025, and are joined by returners Simon Abdullah, Noah Stennett, and Myles McNiff. Newcomers to the outfield this year who will look to secure playing time include include Chris Pritchard, Braeden Black, and Nico Marino.

The Knights begin the 2026 season on Saturday when they travel to Scranton for a 12:00 p.m. non-conference game. MAC Freedom play begins March 13th against FDU-Florham at Skip Wilson Field at 3:30 p.m. The MAC Freedom Tournament begins May 1st at the two highest seeds.

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