Salisbury’s biggest issue was clear as day last season. There was no running from the Falcons’ struggle to score runs.

In the Colonial League where Salisbury finished 8-9 and was on the outskirts of the league tournament, the Falcons scored three runs or less eight times. That trend haunted them in the district tournament as they scored just four runs in two games.

If the Falcons hope to return to their competitive ways, they’ll have to do so with an adjustment offensively. Salisbury will no longer be able to rely on the pitching of Colonial League First Team pitcher Chad Cooperman, who went 8-3 on the mound and has graduated to continue his baseball career at Bloomsburg University.

“[We will] need to score runs,” Pochron said. “Last year’s team got runners on base but had trouble hitting with runners in scoring position. This must improve from last season.”

Also leaving voids in the lineup are the graduations of Eric Schware, Mike Schmidt, Nick Sikora and Larry Zong. All played a key role in producing offense at some point throughout 2016.

There is, however, plenty of talent and firepower returning in the batter’s box. Seniors Pete Forestieri (outfielder) and Colin Wagner (infielder) are two of the upperclassmen that will take on leadership roles, and help lead a talented junior class.

Junior catcher/outfielder Joey Galantini returns as well after solidifying himself as one of the Falcons’ top hitters and defensive prospects. Juniors Pete Dubois (catcher/infielder), Ryan Miller (outfielder) and Lucas Irwin (midfielder) will play big roles as well, with sophomore Colten Hagadus seeing time in the outfield.

“[We have] many experienced returning players,” Pochron said. “Most of the returning juniors and sophomores saw considerable playing time last year. [We’re] returning the pitching staff with the exception of Cooperman.”

Taking over the ace role on the mound will be Andrew Sukanick, who was the Falcons’ No. 2 pitcher behind Cooperman in 2016. Juniors Taylor Linn and Cole Warmkessel also enter the season with plenty of experience.

A number of newcomers are also expected to provide valuable playing time on the varsity stage: Eric Pennella (senior, catcher), Ryan Misiura (senior, infielder), Damien Casanova (senior, infielder), Mark Wilson (junior, infielder/outfielder), Alex Glenn (junior, infielder) and Dakota Albertson (sophomore, pitcher/infielder).

Last season’s run came to an end for Salisbury in the District 11 Class 2A semifinals with a 2-1 loss to eventual champion and No. 1 seed North Schuylkill. The Falcons defeated No. 5 Blue Mountain in the first round, 3-2, in their sixth straight trip to the tournament.

As always, the Falcons want to return to the postseason this season.

“[Our] goals are to qualify for the league and district playoffs,” Pochron said.

The originally scheduled season opener at Bangor has been postponed until Thursday, March 30. The Falcons are set to open their season Wednesday, March 29, at home against Northern Lehigh at 4 p.m.