Nov. 3, 2006
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - As the UCF baseball team concludes its fall practices, some of the hardest days are ahead of the program: patiently waiting for a new season to begin. The Golden Knights will take the field two final times this fall, Friday and Saturday, before entering the annual winter stretch off of the diamond.
After an array of newcomers joined UCF this semester, the coaching staff formed a good idea of what the team could look like at the start of February. But there will always be a few questions unanswered when the team returns to the field in January.
"It's been a good fall season," said 25th-year head coach Jay Bergman. "You are trying to identify who you're contributing players are going to be, and you also try to get a lineup set. But you just want to get to know the newcomers and hope those that are returning are improving their game.
"We've made some strides this fall and I think we are ahead of where we were last year because we have a lot more quality depth in the roster. It's now a matter of going out there and winning. It comes down to the spring and getting key hits and making the right pitches at the right time.
"Last year was a learning experience for all of the young players. Now that we have that experience we will be better. As far as challenging for a conference championship, that will remain to be seen."
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