The AMCC coaches recognized the Behrend Lions as the top team in the league.  After winning the regular season with a 17-1 record and hosting the conference tournament a year ago the blue and white return several players from the 2008 championship team.

Behrend returns its entire pitching staff including 2009 AMCC Preseason Pitcher of the Year David Koerbel (Pittsburgh, PA/Central Catholic).   After helping the Behrend Lions to the league title in 2008, he was named both the AMCC Pitcher and Player of the Year. Koerbel led program with a 5-0 conference record, including 5 complete games. He was nationally ranked in ERA (1.80), wins (8), and strikeouts (73). An all-AMCC for three straight seasons.  Joining Koerbel on the returning pitching staff is fellow seniors Andrew Chrobak (New Castle, PA/Laurel), Ben Cain (Venetia/Peters Township), and Ryan Smith (Franklin, PA/Franklin).  Chrobak was also named to the all-AMCC first team and returns with a 7-4 record with a 2.90 ERA. 

Several all conference performers return to the Behrend Lions including infielders Dustin Dubensky (Punxsutawney/Punxsutawney) and Josh Fyffe (Fredonia/Sharpsville) as well as outfielders Jonathan Gray (State College/State College) and Geoff Lang (Pittsburgh/North Allegheny).  Dubensky had a monster year with a .365 batting average and a Behrend record 23 doubles.  Fyffe put up a solid season batting .333 to go along with 25 RBI.  Gray and Lang hit .350 and .349 respectively and will be strong defensively in the outfield.   

The Behrend Lions will hit the diamond on March 8 as they begin spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  The AMCC kicks off conference play on Saturday, March 21, and the championship will be May 8-10 at the site of the top seed. The winner of the tournament will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.