Griffins tabbed for second in SLIAC West Division

St. Louis, Mo. - The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has announced the 2015 Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll. This year is different in that it marks the first time that baseball will be split into two divisions: East and West. The East Division includes Spalding University, Greenville College, Blackburn College, Principia College and MacMurray College while the West Division is made up of Fontbonne University, Webster University, Westerminster College, Iowa Wesleyan College and Eureka College. Teams will play opponents in their division three times throughout the season and only play SLIAC teams in the other division twice.The top two teams of each division will head to the SLIAC postseason tournament.

Webster was picked to finish first in the West Division with Fontbonne in the second slot. In the East Division, Spalding was the favorite followed by Greenville. The top three spots in the West Division look to be a tight race as Fontbonne and Westminster have a one-point difference. Reigning SLIAC champion Webster tallied the most points, totaling 45. The Gorloks went undefeated in conference play and captured their fifth straight SLIAC tournament title in 2014.

The Griffins return three starters and 22 players for the 2015 season. Fontbonne returns All-Conference pitcher Tanner Carter while outfielder Zach Carel  and shortstop Ethan Boyer are back with their offensive power in the lineup. The Griffins will look to freshmen pitchers Tyler Scott and Keaton Wall to be threats on the mound as well sophomore third baseman transfer Devon Tolan.

Westminster returns utility player All-American Deion Hughes as well as six starters and 26 players. Spalding, taking the East Division with 44 points, has lost last season's SLIAC Player of the Year as well as an All-Region player. The Golden Eagles will look to Ryan Mosby to fulfil the power slot in their lineup as well as on the mound along with JR Belt's leadership behind the plate. Greenville accrued 42 votes as the Panthers return nine starters this year. The team lost to Webster in the SLIAC Tournament Championship game. Nick Bifano is a weapon on the mound, finishing first last season in appearances and saves.

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