Trojans looking to rebuild with its keys players

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Roger LaLonde Staff Lely catcher Lepido Gonzalez makes a diving tag on a St. John Neumann runner for an out in Lely's loss to the Celtics on Thursday. Coming in on the play is Lely third baseman Vinny Biagetti.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Roger LaLonde Staff Lely third baseman Vinny Biagetti makes a bare hand play to make a throw to first base in the Trojans loss to St. John Neumann.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Roger LaLonde Staff Lely's Greg Trzyna leaps to catch the throw as a St. John Neumann runners slides in safely at second base in the Celtics win over Lely.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Roger LaLonde Staff Lely pitcher James Steele delivers a pitch as third baseman Vinny Biagetti readies for a play in Lely's Loss to St. John Neumann on Thursday.

After having its first winning season in 14 years, the Lely baseball teams is back to a rebuilding season.

The Trojans went 15-9 last season, winning a playoff game, but lost five key seniors. They also lost senior Leo Rill, its leading hitter in 2011, who transferred to Naples before the school year started and sophomore Jesus Palocios, outstanding pitcher and first baseman, who is ineligible to play.

Palocios started the school year at the new Marco Island Academy High School. Because he transferred to Lely after he had already been at Marco Academy, he is not eligible to play at Lely for one year.

Key returners include senior pitcher Kit Fowler and David Oliger, along with catcher Lepido Gonzalez.

Fowler was an all-conference pitcher and Gonzalez an all-conference catcher a year ago.

Also back are juniors Kenny Moss and Alex Jerrett. Vinny Biagetti, a junior, is expected to be a team leader at third base. Freshmen James Steele, pitcher, Miguel Morel and Sean Lampos will see a lot of action along with Greg Trzyna, Leo Soler and Dane Stretton.

The Trojans host Barron Collier at 7 p.m., Thursday.