Baseball Set to Open 2024 Season on Feb. 1

DURANT, Okla. – With the threat of inclement weather potentially spoiling the weekend schedule, Southeastern baseball is now set to open its 2024 season a day earlier as it will now host Colorado-Colorado Springs in a three-game series beginning at 1 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Mike Metheny Field, with a double-header to follow on Feb. 2 beginning at 11 a.m.
 
The Savage Storm enter 2024 in an underdog role as the team was tabbed eighth in the league's preseason poll.
 
Southeastern returns both of its All-GAC honorees from a season ago, with second team selection Damon Burroughs coming off a .402 season in a utility role with seven doubles, 10 triples, six homers and 55 RBI.
 
Reid Rice picked up honorable mention recognition after hitting .296 with 14 doubles and eight homers with 37 RBI.
 
The Storm return three of their top five hitters from a season ago and seven players total who started at least half the team's games.
 
The SE pitching staff returns one starter with more than 10 starts from a season ago in Dylan Turner who led the starters in ERA at 5.43 and brings back six others who made at least 10 appearances.
 
Southeastern also welcomes 15 new faces to the roster in 2024, with 12 transfers and three freshmen who will be competing for time.
 
UCCS is coming off a 20-30 season in 2023, finishing seventh in the RMAC a season ago with a 12-20 conference record.
 
The Mountain Lions were picked sixth heading into the 2024 season in the RMAC preseason poll.
 
UCCS returns four of its top five hitters from a season ago, led by Caleb Stubbings who put up a .387 average with 12 home runs and 58 RBI.
 
Cole Philips returns as the team's top starter form 2023 after posting a 3-3 record with am 8.75 ERA, while also bringing back its closer Vander Hodges who had a 2.16 ERA and five saves.