The Belhaven University baseball team is set to start the 2026 season this week, aiming to build on its historic run last year. The Blazers advanced to the NCAA Super Regional after finishing with a 34-15 record, capturing their first-ever CCS Championship, according to school officials.
Under new head coach Patrick Robey, the team returns more than a dozen players from last year’s squad. The roster features a potent offense, which ranked among the conference leaders in batting average, runs scored, and extra-base hits.
Senior infielder Blake McCarthy, who started 38 games and hit .336 with 42 hits and 52 RBIs in 2025, leads the returning infield. Sophomore Austin Canale, who hit .288 as a freshman, also returns. Owen Abney, the 2024 CCS Player of the Year, is back for his senior season. The outfield will be anchored by senior JD Weed, who led the team with 21 extra-base hits and 60 hits last season, and junior Nick Thornton, who drove in 37 RBIs with 52 hits.
Behind the plate, senior Parker Ryan, who started 32 games and threw out six runners in 2025, returns to catch. On the mound, senior Colton Sylvester, with a 4.45 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 62.2 innings last season, will lead the pitching staff. Sophomore Gunner Staten, who went 7-1 in his first collegiate season, also returns after appearing in 18 games.
The team is ranked No. 22 in the ABCA Preseason Coaches Poll and was voted second in the CCS Preseason Poll, with Maryville College leading the league. Key non-conference games include matchups against No. 25 East Texas Baptist and No. 13 SUNY Cortland.
Belhaven opens its season Tuesday, Feb. 17, hosting Mississippi University for Women at Trustmark Park at 6 p.m. The Blazers’ conference schedule begins March 20 when they host Maryville. The CCS Tournament is scheduled for April 29 at Trustmark Park. Fans can follow updates on social media at @BelhavenBlazers and support athletics through Team Green Giving.
