Though its four-year NCAA Division 1 transitional period is complete, Merrimack has plenty still to be accomplished and sets its sights on making the program’s first postseason appearance at the highest level in 2024. The Warriors will look to make it happen in the Northeast Conference this season before joining Sacred Heart in moving to the MAAC.
A competitive fall showcased strong positional depth. The team returns five of its top six hitters including former All-NEC shortstop Alex Haba (Franklin, Mass.) and sophomores Frankie Ferrentino (East Longmeadow, Mass.) and Matt Chatelle (Stoneham, Mass.) who lead what third-year coach Brian Murphy (Easton, Mass.) considers to be the strongest catching group he has ever had.
“I think our position group has a nice mix,” Murphy said. “We’ve got a few guys who have done it before. Hopefully that’ll allow the younger, less experienced guys settle into their roles. I think some of those guys will be solid players.”
Haba will remain a prominent leader and hitter in the lineup regardless of where he plays on the field, as both he and reigning New England Division 3 Player of the Year Cavan Brady (Sheffield, Mass.) have worked out at shortstop thus far. Brady is coming off a monster career at powerhouse Wheaton, where he recorded a nation-leading 77 RBI and hit .405 as a senior.
