Varsity baseball players stepped up to the plate on Wednesday, March 21 against Blue Valley Southwest for their first game of the season, and lost 5-4. In order to prepare for the season, they have been training and making sure they are ready to win and get back on the road to state. The varsity baseball team consists of 10 seniors this year, and they are ready for the season to start off with a bang.

Senior Joshua Mitchell has been playing baseball for 13 years, and plays not only for Northwest, but also club baseball, and is most excited to play with nine of his fellow seniors.

“I grew up loving baseball and have gotten better at it,” Mitchell said. “It’s motivational to be playing with your friends.”

Mitchell’s fellow senior, Josh Flack has been playing since he was three and is excited for his final year at NW.

“This years Varsity team should be very good.” Flack said, “A lot of it is me on the mound so I am more than ready to get the season started.”

In order to ensure their path to state, conditioning is a big part of playing baseball at Northwest. Conditioning for the team consists of upper body stretching and arm care. Running and sprints are also very important for the team to beat out the competition

“BVNW and BVSW will probably be out biggest competition” Mitchell said, “they have good pitchers that are going to be tough to beat.”

Varsity coach Domenic Mussat, who has been coaching NW baseball for 21 years, says he is expecting a very good season.

“My expectations for this season are high,” Mussat said. “We are a very senior heavy team that has a great core of senior leaders and young players that are excited to be a part of a special group.”