With one of the youngest teams in the conference, it’s a marvel Loyola has managed to find this much success. The team’s underclassmen outnumber the upperclassmen nearly four to one, with five seniors on the roster. And to make matters worse, the team didn’t have an opportunity to work together in the fall, due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

But that hasn’t stopped the team from winning 17 games with six left.

“It’s a learning process,” management senior David Lauricella said. “We’re so young, and we had no fall to get things sorted out.”

But despite Hurricane Katrina’s attempts to send the team in disarray, the team quickly stormed out the gates to begin the season 6-1.

“We’ve really been growing into a team,” communications sophomore Andy Rodriguez said. “For the last month, we’ve been averaging nearly eight runs a game. That’s our upside.”

Loyola (17-26, 8-16 GCAC) continued its success last Saturday by splitting a doubleheader with conference rival Spring Hill at Stan Galle Field.

Loyola struggled in the first game as Spring Hill pounded 12 hits to defeat the ‘Pack 9-5. Bobby Alvarez (1-2) got the loss. The communications sophomore threw 4.2 innings while giving up six runs on six hits. Physics freshman Kevin Fontenot was impressive at the plate, leading Loyola in hitting and going 3-for-4 with three runs.

The ‘Pack’s offense truly shined in the second game as it knocked 18 hits, routing Spring Hill 13-6. Fontenot, who tallied three more hits with a double and two RBIs, continued his hot day at the plate. Lauricella and marketing junior Jerry Campos contributed to the cause, smacking six hits between the two of them.

Communications junior Danny Gonzalez (2-3) threw three innings of relief and gave up one run on five hits. He struck out one hitter and earned the win.

“We have a really good chance to go far into the postseason,” said Rodriguez, who had three hits on the day. “We’ve been way more consistent lately.”

A goal for the postseason and for the future is to improve upon the team’s pitching. The team has an 7.78 ERA overall, with a 9.23 ERA in conference match-ups.

However, the numbers haven’t affected the team’s attitude. When asked where the team has most improved, Lauricella immediately answered toughness.

“We started out hot, went through a tough period and weren’t gelling. We’ve changed that mindset.”

Loyola faces the University of Mobile at Segnette field today. First pitch is scheduled for 7p.m.

Chad Bower can be reached at [email protected].