UNC Asheville Releases Official 2018 Hype Video; Baseball Opens Season on February 16 at Lipscomb

**Story written by senior swimmer Shannon Kennedy**

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville baseball team kicks off its 2018 season Friday, Feb. 16, with a three-game series at Lipscomb in Nashville, Tenn.

Last season, UNC Asheville had one of the best seasons in program history. The Bulldogs were able to win two games in the Big South Conference Tournament, which they have not done since 2007, and with their 25 wins on the year, it marked the sixth-most victories in program history and the most since the 2004 season.

2018 Official Hype Video

2018 SEASON PREVIEW

Right-handed pitcher Joe Zayatz expressed his excitement towards the new season, which will be his final season on the diamond. The senior communicated his confidence in moving onward and upward for the Bulldog baseball program.

"I am absolutely excited for this season. There's a lot of new guys that have come in, and I believe we can pick things up from where we left off last season," said Zayatz.

A pair of freshmen - pitcher Ethan Tressler and outfielder Jake Catalano - shared Zayatz's excitement, as the duo enter their first season in a Bulldog uniform.

In his first season of college baseball, Tressler is looking forward to making an immediate impact for the Bulldogs.

"I'm excited to see what we (the freshmen) can do, as well as learn from the upperclassmen. As a team, we are looking to flip the record from last year, and I believe we will," the Gallatin, Tenn. native explained.

Catalano shared his classmates' excitement for the season opener and first college season.

"There's a lot of nerves but a lot of excitement as we start the season next week. We've been working hard all fall, and I can't wait to get on the field," said Catalano.

Talking with head baseball coach Scott Friedholm, he talked about opening his fourth season at the helm, and also gave an update on the improvement of the team since fall practices.

"It's always fun opening a new season, but the best part about being a spring sport is being able to train for four to five months. Seeing the progress and the excitement of the players makes me excited as we get closer and closer to opening day," Friedholm said.

The Bulldogs' first home game will be against ACC member Boston College on March 6 at 4 p.m., and the annual Vs. Cancer game at McCormick Field is slated for April 4 versus Western Carolina. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. versus the Catamounts.

To make a donation to the Vs. Cancer Foundation, click HERE.