BATTER'S BOX -- Today we delve into the SCC Quinnipiac where Fairfield Prep hopes to build on last season's success, Notre Dame-West Haven could repeat and Xavier's pitching should keep the score down.

School: Fairfield Prep, Fairfield

Nickname: Jesuits

Conference: SCC Quinnipiac

Class: LL

Coach:  Rudy Mauritz (7th season)

2011 record: 15-9

How it ended: The Jesuits entered the Class LL tournament as the No. 12 seed and were sent packing in the first round in a 9-6 loss to No. 21 East Hartford.

Captains: No captains

Others to watch for:  Kevin Sinclair, Sr., first baseman/catcher; Matt Araya, catcher; Mike Smeriglio, second baseman/outfielder; Miles Purner, Sr., pitcher

2012 schedule: Fairfield Prep Jesuits

MANAGER’S NOTES

Mauritz said his team will play tough defense, especially in the outfield. … The question marks however, will be the new bats, according to Mauritz. .. He added the team will use its speed a little more this season. .. This team also forgoes naming captains. … Mauritz said all the seniors are responsible for leading the team. … He added this is the third time the team has done this. … A few juniors have also stepped up and impressed Mauritz.

“Last season we learned a lot about ourselves as a baseball program.”

Manager Rudy Mauritz

School: West Haven High School

Nickname: Blue Devils

Conference: SCC Quinnipiac

Class: LL

Coach:   Mike Anquillare (13th season)

2011 record: 14-9

How it ended: Amity knocked off the Blue Devils 3-1 in the second round last season. The Westies were the 13 seed.

Captains: (all seniors) Matt Gagne, shortstop; Eric Flores, catcher

Others to watch for:  Alex Palmieri, Sr., third baseman; Cameron Stone, Jr., pitcher/second baseman; Danny Chambrelli, Sr., first baseman; Tom Spencer, Sr., outfield; Tyler Gambardella, Jr., outfield; Wes Gambardella, Sr., outfield;

2012 schedule: West Haven High School

MANAGER’S NOTES

The Blue Devils should have a strong pitching staff this season. … Alex Soto, a senior pitcher, could have a big season. … Bobby Moretti and John Carrano will also be crucial on the hill for the Blue Devils. … Look out for Cameron Stone as well. … West Haven has a good mix of young players and senior leadership. …

 “In the SCC, there are no bottom dwellers.”

Manager Mike Anquillare

School: Xavier High School, Middletown

Nickname: Falcons

Conference: SCC Quinnipiac

Class: LL

Coach:   Rich  Magner (13th season)

2011 record: 13-8

How it ended: Xavier lost a heartbreaker to No. 22 Conard in the first round in eight innings. The 11th seeded Falcons lost 11-10.

Captains: (all seniors) Connor Landers, pitcher; Tyler Cardi, pitcher; Jack Finnegan, outfielder

Others to watch for:  Brett Madore, Sr., infielder; Ryan Verdi, Sr, outfielder; Pat Colavecchio, Sr., outfielder

2012 schedule: Xavier High School

MANAGER’S NOTES

The Falcons are loaded with senior leadership touting 13 class of 2012ers on the roster. … Despite all of these seniors, Magner said the team still lacks experience in the infield. … Look out for juniors Matt Albanese on the mound and Mike Purcell in the infield. …. Senior pitchers Troy DeLeon and Glen Marrus will be key contributors to the team this season. … Senior catchers Chris Dibble, Andy Grimm and Jason Cain will all help out behind the plate. … Senior infielders Ed Kietka and Jon Lococo will be counted on to make plays for the Falcons.

 “We will be contenders in the division and hopefully the league.”

Manager Rich Magner

School: Notre Dame, West Haven

Nickname: Green Knights

Conference: SCC Quinnipiac

Class: L

Coach:   Lou Kessler (17^th season)

2011 record: 18-8

How it ended: The Green Knights won Class L

Captains: (all seniors) Gary Flowers, pitcher; Matt Elia, pitcher;  Mike Panza, infielder

Others to watch for:  Griffin Garabedian, Jr., centerfielder; Greg Zullo, Jr., third baseman/pitcher; Brian Rhone, Jr., second baseman; Kyle Lockery Sr., outfield; Brandon Wynne, Jr. , Dh/first baseman

2012 schedule: Notre Dame-West Haven

MANAGER’S NOTES

The Green Knights are looking for its pitching staff to carry it through. … According to Kessler, there is some pressure to repeat due to the number of players Notre Dame is bringing back from last season’s team. … Kessler said the team will also be strong up the middle defensively. … Junior centerfielder Griffin Garabedian, who is an early commit to UConn, should also have a strong season. … Kessler said Amity and West Haven are two teams that he is looking at. He also said Foran and Xavier will be tough to beat this season.

“It’s a tough league. You have to be ready to play every game.”

Manager Lou Kessler