WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The William & Mary baseball team will begin their 2025 campaign on Friday as they host Rhode Island for a three-game series at Plumeri Park. First pitch for Friday is scheduled for 3 p.m., with the Saturday game to follow at 3 p.m. and Sunday at noon.

Fans are encouraged to follow TribeAthletics.com for updates regarding schedule changes in case of inclement weather.

BASEBALL IS BACK
William & Mary begins a new era under first-year head coach Rob McCoy. McCoy comes to Williamsburg after a 16-year stint with Niagara where he led the Purple Eagles to the NCAA Regionals for the first time in program history, setting a a school record for wins (38) and conference wins (20) in the process.

FAMILIAR FACES
The Tribe returns six primary position player starters and one starting pitcher from last year's squad that went 32-26 overall. Headlining the bunch is OF Ben Parker, who slashed .355/.472/.573 with 10 homers and 48 RBI en route to being named All-CAA Second Team in 2024. Also returning is INF/OF Henry Jackson (.301/.470/.429) and INF Anthony Greco (.296/.425/.447), who was tabbed to the All-CAA Rookie Team last year.

On the mound, RHP Zack Potts headlines the group. The former Division III All-American and national champion went 6-5 with a 3.84 ERA in 2024, leading the CAA in BB/9 (1.79) and ranking second in K/BB ratio (4.36). RHP Carter Lovasz was a lights-out closer, racking up seven saves with a 3.12 ERA and .219 BAA. Also back is RHP Owen Pierce, who tossed 43 innings and had a 3.77 ERA with five saves.

PRESEASON PROSPECTUS
The Tribe had a litany of preseason accolades.

• Lovasz and Parker were named to the Preseason All-CAA Team, while Potts was tabbed Honorable Mention.
• D1Baseball.com listed Lovasz as a Top 100 Relief Pitcher, Parker as a Top 100 OF, and Potts as a Top 150 Starting Pitcher.
• W&M had two reps on the NCBWA Preseason Stopper of the Year Watchlist: Lovasz and Pierce. The Tribe was one of 15 programs that had multiple players named to the Watchlist, and one of just six teams outside the Power Four conferences.

ALL THEY DO IS WIN
The Tribe has posted three straight winning seasons, the longest stretch since 2012-14. W&M's senior class has never experienced a losing season thus far and aims to be the first senior class to hold that distinction since 2005.

SERIES HISTORY
W&M holds a 10-5 lead in the all-time series against Rhode Island and has won seven straight against the Rams dating back to 2012. The two teams also met for season openers in 2012 and 2022, with the Tribe sweeping the most recent series.

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Live audio will be provided on TribeAthletics.com. Live stats will also be provided. For live updates, follow @WMTribeBaseball on X/Twitter and Instagram.