THIBODAUX, La. – Opening day for the Nicholls State University baseball team is just nine days away. Leading up to the four-day series with Stony Brook, a positional breakdown of the 2018 squad is in order.

The first group evaluated will be the infielders, which is the most experienced of all groups. The Colonels return all four infielders, including seniors Kyle Knauth, Joey Morales, Gage Teer and Ethan Valdez.

Morales and Valdez, known for their adept glovework in the middle infield, played in every game last year at shortstop and second base, respectively. Morales has started every game since his freshman campaign and was recognized at the end of last season as an All-SLC Honorable Mention performer. Valdez was named to the 2018 Preseason All-SLC Second Team Tuesday. Both players recorded fielding percentages over .960, contributing to Nicholls' highest all-time fielding percentage of .975.

Of Knauth's 36 appearances, 34 were at first base with the other two coming behind the plate. The Mandeville native, who batted .291 with four homers last season, will likely see most of his playing time behind the plate in 2018.

Teer split time between designated hitter, first base when Knauth was injured and third base, earning All-SLC Defensive Team honors for his stellar fielding at the hot corner. During league play, He fronted the squad with three homers and ranked second with a .315 batting average.

"The infield depth is very talented and youthful with freshmen Waylon LeBlanc, Ivan Prejean, and Nathan Tribble," Nicholls head coach Seth Thibodeaux said. "All three are versatile and will impact the position group throughout the season as they continue to develop. Redshirt junior Brady Bell can play all four infield positions as well and is fighting to get in the starting lineup. Lee Clark and Landon Powell could also make a push at first base if needed. We have a chance to really defend on the infield. Joey and Ethan may be two of the better defenders in our league. If someone could step up at third, we will be really good on the infield. If no one does, we will have to move Ethan there. I really like the freshmen group. They are a treat to work with and will greatly impact us this year."

Get your season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. Please click here for more information on joining the 2018 Nicholls Baseball Coaches Committee. Visit geauxcolonels.com and follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE for the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball.