Coach: Bob Blackman (14th year)

Conference: MVC Class: C South

Last year’s record: 16-5, Class C champions

Returning players: Senior — Nate Richard (CF); Juniors — Justin Keaney (C/SS), Bobby Shelley (LF); Sophomores — Gavin Bates (P/C), Mack Pelletier (P/IF).

Key losses: Mike Bryant, Mitch Lorenz, Ray Mosca, Ryan Harvey, Matt Keaney, Caleb Labrie.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Austin Roy (2B); Freshmen — Hunter Hughes (3B), Riley Volpe (1B/P), Ben Gosselin (OF).

Season outlook: The Saints have only missed the regional final once in Blackman’s tenure, which includes five state titles. The coach’s quest to reach that level again begins with his youngest team ever. Bates, who was throwing in the mid-80s as a freshman, is the only experienced arm. Richard and Shelley are incumbent starters in the outfield, and Keaney caught all of Bates’ starts on the mound. Otherwise, it’s a collection of new faces. Hockey standout Roy makes the move from lacrosse and will be a pest for opponents if he can get on base.  The freshmen are talented. In other words, underestimate St. Dom’s at your own risk.