Thousand Oaks Lancers

Head coach: Frank Mutz (2nd season)
Last season's results: 16-13, 8-6 in
league (third in Marmonte)
Biggest losses: Adrian Glenn, P;
Marcus Whithorne, P; Ian Brown, OF
Notable returnees: Tyler Peddicord, P/
OF; Matt Bywater, P; Kevin Gelinas, P;
Byron Minnich, P; Chad Smith, P; Chris Hannick, C/1B; Collin Lavoie,
SS; Kyle Jones, CF
Impact newcomer: Alex Birgel, junior, OF
Pitching aces: Tyler Peddicord, Matt Bywater, Kevin Gelinas and Chad Smith
Biggest bat: Chris Hannick

Overview: While most teams in the league have one or two good pitchers on their staffs, the Lancers have the luxury of having five quality arms.

Although head coach Frank Mutz said Tyler Peddicord is the team's No. 1 starter, Matt Bywater and Kevin Gelinas have already committed to Pepperdine University and would be aces on many area squads.

At the No. 4 spot in the rotation, junior Chad Smith is no slouch either. Smith came in relief against Oaks Christian last Friday and threw 5 1/3 perfect innings.

Junior Jeff Johnson joins senior Byron Minnich to round out the dominating group. According to Mutz, the team won't have a set rotation this year and instead will name its starting pitcher each day according to the best matchup.

Although the Lancers' pitching is solid, if their hitting keeps up at the current pace, they'll be unbeatable. In its first three games, TOHS scored 39 runs.

Catcher Chris Hannick, who has committed to Cal State Northridge, leads the offensive attack. Others that will contribute on offense include four-year varsity returnee Collin Lavoie at shortstop, Jett Bandy at third and Kyle Jones in center field.

According to several league coaches, Thousand Oaks is the preseason favorite to win the Marmonte title. The pitching looks that good.

Head coach Frank Mutz says: "Last year the team had a new coach and had to adapt. Now they know what's expected of them, and they are more intense and excited about playing. I think the most important thing about this team is that we play our own game. If we do that, we'll be fine."