Coach: Ryan Palmer (fifth year)

Conference: MVC Class: C

Last year’s record: 14-4, lost in Class C West semifinals

Returning players: Seniors — Tyler Frost (C/P), Kaine Hutchins (P/3B), Mitch Kubesh (P/SS), Anthony Todd (OF), Cody Dolloff (2B), Nick Hall (3B/OF), Nick St. Germain (1B/DH); Juniors — Gavin Arsenault (P/OF), Gus Brown (OF); Sophomores — Gavin Hebert (P/1B), Bryce Whittemore (C), Vincent Hebert (OF).

Key losses: Jack Brown, Brian Volkernick

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Cooper Chiasson (IF), Cam Turner (OF), Luke Lueders (UT).

Season outlook: On paper, the Cougars again are the preseason favorite in a top-heavy MVC. Depending on weather and field-related postponements, Dirigo could be missing several seniors who will be on a class trip to Europe for the first two scheduled games. The one-two pitching punch of Hutchins and Arsenault returns. Frost is one of the top catchers in the state. Each were all-MVC players a year ago. Despite all the experience and punch in the lineup, Palmer still expects that the Cougars will need to manufacture runs in a pitching-rich league.