Pilots Baseball success continues despite disappointing finish
May 15, 2007
Shreveport, LA---In 2007, the LSUS Pilots posted a 40-15 overall record, marking the highest ever winning percentage (.727) in a single season in LSUS Baseball history. Such an accomplishment may be overshadowed for the moment after back-to-back losses in the NAIA Region XIII Tournament to Southern Polytechnic University and Auburn University-Montgomery ended the Pilots ultimate goal of returning to the NAIA College World Series. But, the fact remains, the Pilots are continuing their growth as a perennial NAIA powerhouse.
“When you set such high expectations and goals as we do at LSUS, anything short of a national championship is disappointing. We know we had the talent to do some special things on the field this year, and we did. It just didn’t finish the way we would have liked it to,” commented Pilots senior right fielder and 2007 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner Colin Moro.
The Pilots string of consecutive Region XIII Championship Game appearances in 2005 and 2006 was snapped after dropping an 8-6 decision to the AUM Senators last Wednesday. The loss put the end to what was a very exciting and successful season for the Pilots senior class which was highlighted by the Pilots 2nd consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.
“Looking back on the season that was, we did a lot of great things. We grinded out some very tough victories against nationally ranked teams like Oklahoma City, Houston Baptist, and even did very well against NCAA opponents,” commented Pilots senior shortstop Brandon Magierowski.
LSUS finished the year with a 7-1 overall record against NCAA opponents, a resume which was highlighted by a 17-11 victory over the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
“Two games do not define our season or our team. We fought hard and left it all on the field. We won our 2nd GCAC Tournament which is a huge accomplishment for this program. And if you take out one play from either ball game at the regional tournament, we may still be playing right now,” concluded Magierowski.
Such is the case for three of the Pilots 12 seniors who will continue their playing careers at the professional level. All-GCAC and 1st-Team Region XIII selection Chris Frye signed with the Houston Astros Monday morning, and will pursue his playing career with the Tri-City Valley Cats in Troy, NY.
Matt Clayman finished the year 10-1 overall for the Pilots and was selected as the GCAC Pitcher of the Year. The hard throwing right hander was signed by the Shreveport Sports of the American Association of Independent Baseball Monday afternoon. Teammate Bryan Cooksey, a four year starter at third base for the Pilots was also signed by the Sports Monday. They will join former Pilots teammates Derrick Cunningham and Dusty Maddox on the Sports 2007 roster.
