Fresh off their most recent Colonial Athletic Association championship, UNC Wilmington men’s baseball team is heading into the 2016 season loaded with expectations and new blood. It is the experience provided by a stellar senior class that will guide the Seahawks going forward.

Being picked to defend their crown after finishing second in the 2015 regular season to College of Charleston (UNCW defeated Charleston twice in the conference tournament to earn a NCAA Tournament berth) has made the Seahawks’ aspirations bigger than ever.

Despite last season’s success, its conclusion left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Louisiana State University hosted UNCW’s regional to start the postseason, and the top-ranked Tigers kept the Seahawks from advancing any further after downing them twice in a span of just three days. Both games were 2-0 shutouts.

“We talked about it a little bit during the offseason and into the fall,” said senior infielder Terrence Connelly. “We have an idea of ‘that’s where we’ve been before,’ and as a program as a whole, everyone here wants to take that next step. We want to use that experience from down in Louisiana and take it to get to that next step, and then hopefully get to a Super [Regional] and then Omaha.”

Connelly, along with senior outfielder Steven Linkous, will lead the charge for UNCW on offense. Both were all-conference selections in 2015. Linkous led the team in runs, triples and stolen bases, while Connelly led the CAA in on-base average of .478 and was seventh in hitting.

“I really expect our young guys to do a lot for us,” said Linkous. “Even though we’re missing key guys from last year, we grew this fall as one. Everyone knows their role and we’re going to perform.”

The collegiate career of one of UNCW’s many notable newcomers is off to a rocky start. Clark Cota, a freshman pitcher from Topsail, underwent Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow last June. His timetable for recovery has fluctuated, and it is currently unknown if he will play in 2016.

“I’m up to 70 pitches now, around 50 percent, but right now I would say I’m on track,” said Cota. “Come back-end of the season, maybe in May or June, there’s a chance that I could be good to go. I’m just ready, if my name’s called, to do my part and help the program.”

The leader of an outstanding bullpen, senior relief pitcher Jared Gesell believes the Seahawks’ relievers can continue their success. He became the team’s primary closing pitcher a year ago when he collected five saves and accumulated a 3-1 record and a 2.94 ERA.

“We had a talented bullpen last year, for sure, and I feel like we can do the same this year,” said Gesell. “We’re trying to be better than we were last year. We went really far, but we can do a lot better and go out there and compete every day.”

One win shy of bringing his career total to 800, head coach Mark Scalf had a lot to say about the season ahead. The man who has been in charge of Seahawks baseball for 25 years spoke with reporters for more than 20 minutes at UNCW’s baseball media day on Feb. 10.

“This time of the year is always an exciting time for the coaching staff and the players,” said Scalf. “They spent a lot of time together in the weight room and on the practice field in preparation to play. We’re really looking forward to facing outside competition.”

The Seahawks will host two season-opening tournaments at Brooks Field over the course of two weeks. The first, “Battle at the Beach,” will start on Feb. 19 and will be followed by the “Hughes Bros. Challenge,” which is scheduled to start on Feb. 26.