Baseball
Lehigh Baseball Prepares for a Competitive 2025 Season
2024-12-27
The Lehigh Mountain Hawks baseball team, under the guidance of veteran coach Sean Leary, is set to embark on an intense 2025 campaign. With a schedule that includes formidable opponents and crucial conference matches, the team aims to build on its legacy and make a significant impact in collegiate baseball.
Prepare for an Unforgettable Season of High-Stakes Baseball
Opening Battles: Facing Off Against Top Competition
The 2025 season for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks will commence with a challenging three-game series against the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma. This early-season matchup promises to test the team's mettle right from the start. The Sooners, fresh off a stellar 2024 season where they dominated the Big 12 regular season and hosted a regional, present a formidable challenge. Coach Leary emphasized the significance of this encounter, noting the exceptional talent of Oklahoma’s pitching staff and their potential for a deep NCAA tournament run.Following the Oklahoma series, the Mountain Hawks will travel to Virginia for two games against the Richmond Spiders. These contests will provide valuable experience as the team adjusts to different playing conditions. A neutral-site game against Fairfield on February 22 will round out the weekend, offering another opportunity to gauge the team's readiness.Home Advantage: Dominating at J. David Walker Field
Lehigh will play 24 games at home, starting with non-league matchups against Saint Joseph’s and Coppin State in mid-March. The home-opening weekend marks the beginning of a robust home stand that extends through March, featuring a series against Albany and a midweek clash with Penn. This stretch will be crucial for building momentum and establishing dominance on familiar turf.Coach Leary expressed confidence in the preparation these early-season games will provide for the Patriot League portion of the schedule. The team’s ability to perform well at J. David Walker Field could be a decisive factor in their overall success. Fans can expect high-energy performances and competitive play throughout these home games.Patriot League Showdowns: Key Matches Define the Season
Patriot League play kicks off in late March with doubleheaders against Holy Cross and Army in Bethlehem. These matches are pivotal for securing a strong position in the league standings. The Liberty Bell Classic at Rider University on March 25 adds an extra layer of excitement, showcasing the team’s versatility and resilience.The Rivalry presented by Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute against Lafayette College on March 28 will be a highlight of the season. Played over a weekend, this series not only stirs up local fervor but also tests the team’s endurance and strategic depth. Each game in this rivalry carries significant weight, influencing both fan morale and league positioning.Road Challenges: Testing Resilience Away from Home
The Mountain Hawks will face several road challenges, including a three-game series at UMBC in early March and a doubleheader at Bucknell in April. These away games require adaptability and mental toughness, as the team must adjust to varying environments and pressures. A midweek contest against Muhlenberg at historic Limeport Stadium on April 9 adds a unique twist, blending tradition with competition.The final non-league opponents, Coppin State and Saint Peter’s, will be faced at home and away respectively, providing a balanced mix of challenges. Road games against Army and Holy Cross in April will be critical for maintaining league standing and preparing for the postseason.Postseason Aspirations: Eyeing the Patriot League Championship
The Patriot League Championship semifinals are scheduled for May 10, with the championship series following the next weekend. Coach Leary highlighted the competitiveness of the league, emphasizing the importance of daily improvement and readiness for a spring run. The team’s performance in the regular season will set the stage for these high-stakes playoff games, where every pitch counts.As the Mountain Hawks gear up for this ambitious season, fans and supporters can look forward to thrilling games, standout performances, and the pursuit of excellence. The 2025 schedule promises to be a testament to the team’s dedication and ambition.