Older Sabers looking for improvement

The Souhegan High School baseball team enters the season with a group that’s a little more experienced than a season ago.

The Sabers went 7-10 in 2009, and lost to Lebanon in the first round if the Class I tournament. This year, Souhegan has 11 players returning to the varsity team, six of which were starters a year ago.

“This year’s team is an outstanding mix of experience and promising newcomers,” Souhegan coach Bill Dod said. “With the valued experience derived from last year's tournament team, the team adds a number of players who will bring a great deal of depth to this year's team.”

Leading the way are returning seniors DJ Petropulos, who started at catcher last year, and pitcher Jon Aunio, first baseman George Mukai and pitcher/second baseman Alex Scribner.

The Sabers also return a large portion of their infield, with juniors James Astbury (third base), Nick Hession (shortstop/pitcher) and Tyler Manoogian (second base) back in the fold. Junior outfielders Chris Almeida and Matt Schagrin, who also pitches, are also returning starters.

Other returning varsity players include junior Zack Polio (first base/pitcher) and sophomore Terry Dugdale (pitcher/shortstop).

The Sabers open the season on April 14 at 4:15 p.m. when they host Pelham.