Beaver Area is heading back to the diamond this year with hopes of a WPIAL championship.

The Bobcats are returning this season after retaining almost all of their starters with hopes of bouncing back after missing the playoffs and building off a 7-12 record from last season.

Among those returning is Division 1 Gardner Webb commit senior pitcher Ty Butler. Other promising players returning as well are junior Max Tanner and sophomore Derek Hughes.

“I’m feeling like a well oiled machine heading into the season,” said Butler.

This will be the second season for the Bobcats under head coach Michael Mabin.

Before the Bobcats begin their games they are practicing on the back turf under the lights and will transition to Hardy Field (in Brighton Township) when it gets warmer and they start playing regular season games.

Beaver Area’s home opener this year is March 19 against Mohawk at Hardy Field with first pitch scheduled at 4:15 p.m.

The Bobcats section opponents that they will play twice in a home and home series this year are Hopewell, Hampton, Central Valley, Blackhawk, Ambridge, and North Catholic.

Make sure to check the next ECHO to see how the baseball team is doing. Batter up!