With a year of experience under their belts, a young core of Penn College baseball players enter this season with a new focus and a “taking care of business” attitude that veteran coach Chris Howard translates into on-field success.

Howard’s 19th edition is scheduled to open its season at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at first-time opponent Gettysburg College.

“Last year, we were a team that started eight, sometimes nine freshmen or first-year players. I would say that we have a key returner in every position on the field,” Howard said.

A year ago, the Wildcats finished 17-21 overall and were 5-10 in the United East Conference, missing the playoffs for just the second time in 17 full seasons.

Leading those returnees is sophomore centerfielder Dallas Griess of Williamsport, last year’s United East Rookie of the Year, a member of the UE first team, and a D3baseball.com All-Region IV and American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Division 3 All-Region Mid-Atlantic third-team honoree.

Senior catcher Nathan Gustkey is back after an early season-ending injury, while others who saw significant playing time and gained all-important on-field experience last year are junior Brandon Shane, sophomore Jaiden Augustine, sophomore Shawn Townsend, sophomore Jaydon Goebel, sophomore Matt Munoz, sophomore John Croasdale, senior Kevin Cute and sophomore Ty Jenkins.

Key pitching returnees are sophomore Sam Staib, sophomore and Williamsport graduate Griffin Vollman, sophomore and Williamsport graduate Ethan Eckard, sophomore Wyatt Hershey, along with junior Parker White, who is coming back from a season-ending injury.

Newcomers on the mound will include junior right-handers Ethan Hannevig and McGwire Heverly, and freshman left-hander Ryan Remetta.