Landmark Baseball 2025 Season preview

2024 RECAP

The University of Scranton captured its second Landmark Conference title in four seasons with a 9-2 victory over top-seeded Elizabethtown in the 2024 Landmark Conference Baseball Championship. The Royals previously claimed the championship in 2021, also defeating Elizabethtown in the final. Scranton’s 2024 campaign was one for the record books, as the Royals secured the program’s first-ever 30-win season.

Jake Elston, now a senior, was named Tournament MVP after an impressive performance, going 6-for-10 across three games with a double, a home run, seven RBIs, and seven runs scored. Juniors Conor Campbell and Vincent Napolitano also played key roles in the championship victory—Campbell finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, two runs scored, and a double, while Napolitano contributed two hits and an RBI.

By winning the conference title, Scranton earned the Landmark’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking just the second NCAA appearance in program history. The Royals' historic season came to an end in the NCAA Regional elimination game, falling 8-0 to Immaculata.

2024 FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

  1. Elizabethtown College - 33-14 (18-6 Landmark Conference)
  2. Catholic University - 33-14 (17-7 Landmark Conference)
  3. University of Scranton - 30-13 (16-8 Landmark Conference)
  4. Susquehanna University - 21-22 (15-9 Landmark Conference)
  5. Drew University - 22-18 (13-11 Landmark Conference)
  6. Wilkes University - 22-16 (11-13 Landmark Conference)
  7. Moravian University- 15-23 (8-16 Landmark Conference)
  8. Juniata College - 17-23 (7-17 Landmark Conference)
  9. Lycoming College - 9-31 (3-21 Landmark Conference)

2024 PLAYOFFS

  • Semifinals:
  • #2 Catholic def #4 Susquehanna: 6-1
  • #3 Scranton def #1 Elizabethtown: 7-3
  • #1 Elizabethtown def #2 Catholic: 7-6
  • Championship:
  • #3 Scranton def #1 Elizabethtown: 9-2

Preseason Poll

The 2025 Landmark Conference baseball season is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle, with little separation among the league’s top teams. Catholic University and Elizabethtown College lead the way in the preseason poll, with the Cardinals earning 61 points and six first-place votes, while the Blue Jays sit close behind with 57 points and one first-place vote. Defending champion University of Scranton enters the season ranked third, collecting 50 points and two first-place votes.

Susquehanna University (39) and Drew University (37) round out the top five, followed by Wilkes University in sixth (33). Moravian University (22) slots in at seventh, while Juniata College (14) and Lycoming College (11) complete the poll.

Catholic University

  • Head Coach: Ross Natoli (40th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 33-14 (17-7 Landmark Conference)

After a disappointing exit from the 2024 Landmark Conference Tournament, Catholic University is poised to make a strong push for the championship in 2025. Under the leadership of veteran head coach Ross Natoli, who enters his 40th season at the helm, the Cardinals are once again positioned as a top contender.

Despite their early postseason departure, Catholic earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship after a 31-12 campaign that featured a challenging non-conference slate, including matchups against ranked opponents. The Cardinals went 2-3 in the NCAA Regional, ultimately seeing their season end in a heartbreaking 9-8 loss to Adrian.

The roster remains largely intact, with five All-Landmark Conference selections returning. Leading the way is junior Roman Tozzi, the 2024 Landmark Conference Pitcher of the Year and the program’s third consecutive recipient of the award. Tozzi tied for the conference lead in wins last season while also topping the league in strikeouts (74). He posted a 2.18 ERA, allowing just 32 hits across 62 innings—the second-lowest total in the conference. His dominant performance earned him a spot on the D3Baseball.com Preseason All-American First Team.

Also returning is sophomore Logan Eilbacher, the 2024 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year. Eilbacher made an immediate impact in his debut season, hitting .345 with a .697 slugging percentage, which ranked 11th and second in the conference, respectively. Other key returners include senior pitcher Cody Bosak, senior catcher Steve Thomas, and graduate student first baseman Zach Burton.

Catholic opens its season on Feb. 21 at the Matt Kurkjian ALS Awareness Invitational in Washington, D.C., facing No. 2 Salve Regina. Landmark Conference play begins on March 15 with a doubleheader against Moravian.

DREW UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Brian Eberly (4th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 22-18 (13-11 Landmark Conference)

After a heartbreaking 8-7, 11-inning loss to Susquehanna in the 2024 Landmark Conference Play-In Game, Drew University looks to build on its postseason return and take another step forward in 2025. The Rangers made their first playoff appearance since 2017, finishing 22-18 overall and 13-11 in conference play. Their turnaround earned head coach Brian Eberly and his staff Landmark Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

Drew returns key contributors, including senior pitcher Matt Colucci, an All-Landmark Conference Second Team selection. Colucci posted a 4-1 record with a 4.73 ERA, striking out 32 batters over 10 appearances while allowing 29 runs. Graduate student shortstop Anthony Diaz Jr. also returns after leading the team in multiple offensive categories, including batting average (.346), runs scored (37), doubles (13), and walks (22). He also tied for the team lead in stolen bases (10). His strong all-around performance earned him All-Landmark Conference Second Team and D3baseball.com All-Region 5 honors.

The Rangers open their season on Feb. 15 at Kean University before hosting their home opener on Feb. 21 against Saint Elizabeth University. Landmark Conference play begins on March 15 with a doubleheader against Susquehanna.

ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE

  • Head Coach: Adam Sheibley '09 (8th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 33-14 (18-6 Landmark Conference)

Under the leadership of head coach Adam Sheibley, now entering his eighth season, Elizabethtown enjoyed another record-breaking campaign in 2024. The Blue Jays finished 33-14, tying the program’s single-season wins record. Despite their success, they fell to Scranton in the Landmark Conference Championship game. However, their season continued as they earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, marking their third consecutive NCAA appearance. Elizabethtown made program history by reaching the NCAA Regional final before falling to Randolph-Macon.

The Blue Jays return four All-Landmark Conference selections, led by junior Quinten Perilli, the 2024 Landmark Conference Player of the Year. Perilli established himself as one of the conference’s premier players, leading the league in runs scored (56) and slugging percentage (.708) while also ranking in the top 10 in batting average (.351) and hits (54). His standout season earned him All-Landmark First Team honors as a utility player, along with D3baseball.com and ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-Region recognition.

Also returning are key contributors in senior first baseman RJ Agriss, senior pitcher Kyle Mulville, and junior shortstop David Woolley. Mulville and Woolley were both named to the All-Landmark First Team, with Woolley also securing D3baseball.com and ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-Region honors. Agriss earned All-Landmark Honorable Mention recognition.

Elizabethtown opens its 2025 campaign with a doubleheader at Eastern Mennonite on Feb. 22 before hosting Lebanon Valley for its home opener on March 11. Landmark Conference play begins shortly after with a doubleheader at Wilkes University.

JUNIATA COLLEGE

  • Head Coach: Pat Christopher (5th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 17-23 (7-17 Landmark Conference)

Juniata College enters the 2025 season with a renewed focus, aiming to build on last year’s performance. Under the leadership of head coach Pat Christopher, the Eagles welcome 15 new players, bringing fresh energy and depth to the roster.

Leading the way is senior catcher Joey Woodrow, a key returner who will look to guide the team to success. Woodrow tied for second in the conference with 15 doubles last season, a mark that also ranks second in a single season in program history. He finished tied for 10th in the Landmark Conference in batting average (.345) while recording 38 hits and 32 RBIs. His standout performance earned him All-Landmark Conference First Team honors at catcher and ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division III All-Region Third Team recognition for Region 5.

Joining him are senior pitcher Derek Gehr, senior pitcher/infielder Chatram Persaud, and senior infielder James Rhoads, who will provide veteran leadership. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and an influx of new talent, the Eagles aim to be competitive in the conference race.

Juniata opens its season on Feb. 23 with a doubleheader at Shenandoah before hosting Thiel for its home opener on March 2. Landmark Conference play begins on March 12 against Lycoming.

LYCOMING COLEGE

  • Head Coach: Rick Oliveri (3rd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 9-31 (3-21 Landmark Conference)

Entering its second season in the Landmark Conference and third as a varsity program, Lycoming College looks to take a step forward in 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Rick Oliveri, now in his third season, the Warriors are focused on continued growth and increased competitiveness.

The 2024 season saw a historic milestone for the program as junior outfielder Nick Reeder became Lycoming’s first-ever All-Landmark Conference selection, earning a spot on the Second Team. Reeder set a program record by becoming the first Lycoming player to surpass 50 hits in a season, finishing with a team-leading .340 batting average, 52 hits, 15 walks, and 15 stolen bases. He also ranked among the conference leaders, tying for second in triples (4) and finishing 11th in hits.

Joining Reeder in leading the Warriors this season are junior pitcher/outfielder Zachary Pleska and junior catcher Nick Hoheb, who ranked just behind Reeder in batting average last season. With a strong returning core and the addition of nine newcomers, Lycoming looks poised to be more competitive in 2025.

The Warriors open their season on Feb. 14 with a doubleheader at Greensboro before hosting Vassar for their home opener on March 1. Landmark Conference play begins on March 12 at Juniata.

MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Douglas Coe (3rd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 15-23 (8-16 Landmark Conference)

Moravian looks to build on past success and take another step forward in 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Douglas Coe, now in his third season, the Greyhounds are prepared to compete in the Landmark Conference.

Leading the way is graduate student infielder/designated player Cole Cherkas, who returns as Moravian’s top offensive threat. Cherkas posted a .333 batting average last season, tallying 40 hits, 31 RBIs, 20 runs scored, nine doubles, one triple, five home runs, and five stolen bases. His standout performance earned him All-Landmark Conference First Team honors as a designated player.

Though the Greyhounds will look to replace key contributors in second baseman Chris Pow and center fielder Matt Madigan—both of whom ranked just behind Cherkas in batting average—the team welcomes a deep roster featuring 17 first-years and 29 returners. With a strong mix of experience and fresh talent, Moravian aims to be competitive in 2025.

The Greyhounds open their season on Feb. 13 at Kean University before hosting Alvernia for their home opener on Feb. 22. Landmark Conference play begins on March 15 at Catholic.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

  • Head Coach: Mike Bartoletti (22nd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 30-13 (16-8 Landmark Conference)

Reigning Landmark Conference champion, the University of Scranton, looks to defend its title in the 2025 season. Under the leadership of veteran head coach Mike Bartoletti—the winningest and longest-tenured coach in program history—the Royals are poised to be a top contender despite being picked third in the Landmark Conference preseason coaches' poll.

Scranton will be well-tested ahead of conference play, facing seven NCAA Tournament teams, including defending national champion Misericordia. The Royals return a strong core, led by junior infielder Aidan Casey, junior catcher Vincent Napolitano, senior infielder Jake Elston, and graduate student Matthew Querey.

Casey hit .341 last season with one double, one triple, 21 RBIs, 27 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases, earning All-Landmark Conference Second Team honors. Napolitano ranked sixth in the conference in batting average (.356) and eighth in on-base percentage (.482) while collecting two home runs, five doubles, 27 RBIs, 23 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Elston was one of the Royals’ most dynamic hitters, finishing fifth in the conference with a .372 batting average and leading the league with a .551 on-base percentage. He added four home runs, nine doubles, three triples, 39 RBIs, 45 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases, earning All-Landmark Honorable Mention and ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Second Team honors. Querey contributed a .290 batting average with six doubles, 17 RBIs, 43 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases, also earning All-Landmark Honorable Mention recognition.

Scranton opens its season on Feb. 22 at the Washington & Jefferson Tournament, where it will face two NCAA Tournament teams in W&J and Penn State Harrisburg. The Royals’ home opener is set for Feb. 28 against Ursinus, with Landmark Conference play beginning during the RussMatt Tournament against Juniata.

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Denny Bowers '01 (20th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 21-22 (15-9 Landmark Conference)

Susquehanna University looks to build on its recent success and contend for the Landmark Conference title in 2025. The River Hawks aim to return to the championship game and reclaim the crown, relying on a mix of experienced returners, first-years, and transfer players. Head coach Denny Bowers, entering his 20th season, will look to guide the program back into title contention.

Among the key returners are three All-Landmark Conference selections: senior infielder Tony Rossi, sophomore infielder Griffin Sherman, and junior outfielder Dylan Heyduk. Rossi led the conference with a .402 batting average last season while adding seven home runs, 17 doubles, and 26 stolen bases. His standout performance earned him All-Landmark Conference First Team honors, ABCA Fourth Team All-American recognition, and a spot on the D3baseball.com Third Team Preseason All-American list.

Sherman made an immediate impact as a first-year, hitting .351 with three doubles, 17 runs scored, and 17 RBIs, earning him All-Landmark Conference Honorable Mention honors. Heyduk provided valuable consistency at the plate, tying for the team lead with 39 walks and posting a .495 on-base percentage. He also hit .313 en route to an All-Landmark Honorable Mention selection.

Susquehanna opens its season on Feb. 21 in North Carolina against Washington and Lee. Landmark Conference play begins on Mar. 15 with a doubleheader at Drew, followed by the River Hawks' home opener on Mar. 22 versus Lycoming.

WILKES UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Mike Guy (2nd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 22-16 (11-13 Landmark Conference)

Wilkes University is poised to make a strong push for conference contention in the 2025 season. With a full year of experience in the Landmark Conference under their belt, and guided by head coach Mike Guy in his second season, the Colonels are ready to build on their success from last year.

Key returners for Wilkes include five All-Landmark Conference selections: senior third baseman Luke Spencer, senior catcher/utility player Zach Luksic, senior pitcher/first baseman Mike Show, sophomore pitcher Zachary Lloyd, and sophomore infielder Nathan Loch. Spencer led the team with a .341 batting average, 22 walks, a .530 slugging percentage, 37 runs scored, and 45 hits, earning him All-Landmark Conference Second Team honors. Luksic finished with 24 runs scored, 31 hits, eight doubles, three triples, and six home runs, which earned him All-Landmark Honorable Mention recognition and a D3baseball.com Third Team All-Region selection.

Show posted a 3.12 ERA and contributed with 32 runs scored, 36 hits, 10 doubles, two triples, and two home runs, earning him All-Landmark Conference Second Team honors. Lloyd was impressive on the mound, going 6-1 with a 2.87 ERA, which also earned him All-Landmark Conference Second Team recognition. Loch had an outstanding debut season, finishing with a .326 batting average, four triples, 12 doubles, 44 hits, and 22 stolen bases—leading the team in stolen bases. His stellar performance earned him All-Landmark Conference First Team honors.

The Colonels open their season on Feb. 16 at Shenandoah before hosting their home opener on Feb. 22 against SUNY Cobleskill. Landmark Conference play begins on Mar. 15 with a matchup against Elizabethtown.

CREATED BY
Hayli Akakpo-Martin

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Created with an image by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "close up view of baseball equipment arranged on green grass"