The Guilford baseball team returns this spring after a thrilling campaign in 2018 that included a blistering home stretch that eventually led to a Class L State Tournament semifinal appearance. The 2019 edition of the Indians believes that it can certainly repeat that feat and get further while growing as a group.

Last year, Head Coach Brian Hayden’s club sat even with a record of 7-7 through the first 14 games of the regular season before closing its slate on a six-game winning streak. The Indians finished with a record of 13-7 and earned the No. 7 seed in the SCC Tournament. The Indians battled No. 2 seed Hand and took a 1-0 quarterfinal defeat in eight innings against the eventual SCC Tournament finalist. Then at states, the 10th-seeded Indians doubled-up both No. 23 East Lyme (6-3) and 26th-seeded Lyman Hall (4-2) to reach the quarterfinals, where they met No. 2 seed North Haven. In a game that took two days to complete due to weather, Guilford prevailed 5-4 in 10 innings after facing a 4-1 deficit entering the sixth. Then in the semifinals, the Indians took a 4-1 defeat versus No. 11 seed and eventual tournament champion Wethersfield.

The Indians return after graduating several key players from their surge to the semifinal, but they also welcome back several varsity veterans that are battle-tested from playing in last season’s white-knuckle scenarios. Coach Hayden maintains while the Indians look to get back to the playoffs, they are about two “Ws:” winning and wisdom.

“We would like to try to also make the SCC Tournament this year because it would say a lot about us and our season,” said Hayden. “I think we play in the best conference in the state. I told our guys that we won’t lose this season; we will learn each game. We will either win or learn from our mistakes.”

The Indians are led by a tandem of senior captains in pitcher/outfielder/first baseman Jack Strand and 2018 All-SCC Team selection outfielder Ben Panagoulias. According to Haydon, each athlete has the heart, hustle, and character to have earned the captain designations.

“They are both exceptional young men. Jack leads by example and is also a vocal leader. He carries out the messages of the coaching staff,” said Hayden. “Ben helps to keep things light, but he’s an extremely hard worker. They complement each other well.”

The senior class has additional contributors in Mike Stebbins, who will pitch and man first base, Zach Samson, who returns as a top arm on the pitching staff, and Cade Paschal. Highlighting the junior class are pitcher/first baseman Kevin Ciardiello, third baseman John Petonito, catcher Josh Wettermann, infielder Ethan Vashel, and outfielder Tyler Considine.

“John is hard-nosed kid who plays aggressively. Josh is a kid with tremendous upside; he can hit for power and runs well for a catcher,” said Hayden. “Ethan is a tremendous athlete. He is coming into his own confidence-wise, and he will likely be our shortstop. Tyler is a good athlete who can get it done in the outfield and can play elsewhere if needed.”

Hayden believes that a handful of sophomores in middle infielder Jake Ciocca, outfielder Jack Palmer, and Julian Scarpa will provide a youthful spark, as well.

“Jack is a strong athlete. Jake plays second base tremendously as a defensive player and swings from the left side,” Hayden said. “Julian plays multiple positions and swings the bat well.”

Looking at the targets set for this spring, Hayden maintained that the regular season slate will tell a lot about his squad. Additionally, if the Indians can hit that crucial eight-win mark, it should condition them well enough to do some more damage in the postseason.

“Our goal every year is to get into states, and that starts with getting to eight wins as fast as possible,” said Coach Hayden. “We have a strong schedule, so it will help prepare us for states. Once we get to eight wins, we will reassess our goals. We have a lot of new starters this year, but we will look to get better every day.”

• This will be Brian Hayden’s eighth season as the Indians’ head coach.

• The Indians’ assistant coaches will be Jeff Mainetti, Steve Messina, John Foti, Adam Nuzzo, and Ralph Russo.

• Guilford will compete in the SCC Housatonic Division with Amity, Foran, Sheehan, and Cross.