The Quaker Valley baseball team wants to make it to the postseason again.
The Quakers have made it to the WPIAL playoffs eight times in the last 10 seasons and were section champions from 2013-16.
Last year, QV finished fifth in Section 1-3A behind Riverside (12-0), Neshannock (8-4), Shenango (8-4) and Mohawk (7-5).
Riverside is the defending WPIAL and PIAA champion in 3A after a perfect 25-0 record in 2023 and a 6-1 victory over Neshannock in the WPIAL finals.
QV coach Rich Garbee is excited about the upcoming season and the challenge of competing in a very competitive section. He emphasized the team's focus on mental preparation and building a strong mindset and leadership.
The team's goals include winning sectional, WPIAL, and state championships, but they are also focused on making continuous improvements both mentally and physically to play consistent, championship-level baseball.
QV’s second-year field boss expects tough competition in section play but wants the team to enjoy the experience.
Coach Garbee's philosophy focuses on instilling winning habits, showing daily improvement, playing aggressively, and enjoying the experience while also aiming to be the best team they can be and ultimately win their section.
Key senior leaders at QV this season include Gavin Fallgren (C), Michael Ponzo (2B), Jasper Gray (OF), Jack Szuba (OF), Nick Allan (DH), and Ethan Pesce (IF).
Fallgren, a second-year starter, missed his junior season due to injury but is committed to playing baseball at John Carroll, a member of the NCAA Division III Ohio Athletic Conference.
Fallgren emphasized the team's strong offseason and the increased confidence in achieving their long-term goals of competing for three titles.
He also expressed excitement about the team's potential to surprise people and their focus on taking the season one day at a time to reach a successful postseason outcome.
The Quakers’ starting lineup is nearly the same as in 2023, with 11 returning lettermen on this year’s team.
Garbee highlighted the return of Gavin Fallgren from injury and the positive addition of seniors Nick Allan and Ethan Pesce to the team.
“Our team is more experienced and deeper than last year, which will be beneficial given our schedule.”
Ryan Finamore (OF), Oscar Roig (SS), Nolan Wagoner (1B), Jack Cindrich (IF), Joe Szuba (1B) and Kyle Rader (OF) represent a strong junior class on the team.
Roig, Gray and Jack Szuba were the top hitters on last year’s team. Roig was the leader in runs scored and walks.
The Quakers’ pitching staff is mainly made up of Finamore, Wagoner, Kagle, Cindrich and sophomore Henry Zupanc. Finamore and Zupanc are left-handed pitchers.
Todd Kagle (3B) and Brad Semonik (C/OF) are standout sophomore players this spring. Both gained varsity experience as freshmen.
Tristan Bemis and Andrew Irving, along with freshmen Noah Fardo and Jesse Howe, complete this year’s team.
The early season lineup for QV includes Allan (DH), Finamore (CF), Fallgren (C), Kagle (3B), Wagoner (1B), Fardo (LF), Jack Szuba (RF), Roig (SS) and Ponzo (2B).
“While we used the same starting lineup in our first four games, I believe it’s not set in stone,” Fallgren said. “It's not because anyone is playing poorly, but because the team has a lot of depth.
“Every player who’s not currently a starter is competing every day, providing our current starters with strong competition, which is great and necessary for a successful team.”
QV was set to begin section play on March 25-27 with a two-game series against Mohawk.
“We are eager for each series,” Garbee said. “Riverside has eight returning starters, Neshannock is consistently strong, and Mohawk brings back all nine starters from a WPIAL qualifying team. Riverside, Neshannock, Shenango, and Ellwood City have all won WPIAL or state titles in the last four years and have experienced coaches with winning records.
“That's why we have arranged a very challenging nonsection schedule. We are looking forward to testing this team against all opponents. It should lead to some exciting baseball games.”
Fallgren, Szuba, Ponzo, and Gray, four of the seniors, serve as the Quakers’ co-captains.
