CALDWELL, N.J.- The Caldwell University Baseball team opens up their 2017 this week as they head down to Florida for nine games. The Cougars will play forty-eight regular season games and play thirty-two Central Collegiate Conference matches. The Cougars will head down to Lantana, Florida on Thursday, March 9 to play against Florida Memorial University to start their season.

Caldwell went 5-15 last season and looks to improve on last season and make it to the CACC playoffs as they return two all-conference selections. Seniors Ryan Rivera (Saddle Brook, N.J.) and Michael Bernstein (Staten Island, N.Y.) were named to the CACC Second Team.

Bernstein split his time between third base and first base as well as designated hitter during the season as he earned Second Team honors at Utility-Non Pitcher. He finished the season with a .382 batting average with a .466 on base percentage and .482 slugging mark. Bernstein scored 14 runs and totaled 42 hits, six doubles, one triple, one homerun, 28 RBI and stole five bases. In the CACC, he ranked third in average and on base percentage, while ranking 14th in slugging and RBI.

Rivera was the regular centerfielder for the Cougars this season, playing in 37 games and starting 36. He posted a .291 batting average, while slugging .461 this season. Rivera scored 19 runs, while totaling 41 hits, 10 doubles, four triples, two homeruns, 19 RBI and stole 13 bases. In the CACC, he ranked fifth in triples, 13th in stolen bases, 16th in doubles and 20th in slugging and homeruns.
On the mound, senior Chris Gehrsitz (Jackson, N.J.) returns as one of the top starters this season. He posted a 2-5 record in nine starts. He struck out 22 batters in 50 2/3 innings pitched. Sophomore Anthony Frascati (Bloomfield, N.J.) went 2-0 in 16 appearances last season. He struck out 23 batters in 32 innings pitched.  

The Cougars begin their season playing nine games down in Florida starting March 9 against Florida Memorial University at 7:30 pm. Caldwell plays two games against Adelphi University and Southern Connecticut St. University while in the Sunshine State. Caldwell will also take on Felician University, Southern New Hampshire University, American International College and Molloy College while on their spring trip.

The Cougars return for CACC play on March 17 at Bloomfield on March 17 at 12 pm. Caldwell's home opener will take place on Saturday, March 18 facing off against Wilmington University at 12 pm. The Cougars play a total of 16 CACC home games. These CACC contests include Philadelphia University on March 25, Dominican College on March 29, Post University on March 31, Bloomfield College on April 7, Nyack College on April 18 and Concordia College on April 28. Their final conference home game will be on April 29 at 12:00pm and 3:00 pm facing off against Felician University. All conference dates will be doubleheaders.

For the Caldwell University Baseball teams full schedule click here.