FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Fifth year head baseball coach Kevin Leighton revealed Manhattan’s schedule for the 2010 campaign. The slate features contests with powers from the ACC, BIG EAST, Conference USA and Colonial Athletic Association, in addition to the always challenging MAAC lineup. The Jaspers open the season Feb. 26-28 at the University of Miami, a 2009 NCAA Tournament participant.
"We are excited about our schedule," explained Leighton. "The first four weeks of the season will certainly be the most challenging that we have had in my time with the program."
The Jaspers travel south to begin the campaign with a three game series against the Hurricanes marking the first time the programs have met since the 2006 NCAA Regional Finals. Manhattan will then travel to Delaware (March 5-7), before returning to the Bronx for its annual meeting at cross-town rival Fordham. The Rams will return the game on May 5 at Van Cortlandt Park.
"Miami is going to be tough. It is never an easy weekend when you play a perennial power in their home park. We expect this experience will prepare for the other challenging games on the schedule."
Manhattan visits Morgantown, W. Va. to square off with West Virginia from March 12-14. The Mountaineers went 37-18 last year and finished third in the BIG EAST. The Jaspers will also make non-conference stops at Seton Hall (March 17), Liberty (March 19-21), Long Island (March 23) and Hofstra (March 24) before opening the MAAC schedule at Marist (March 27-28), the defending conference champion.
The Jaspers will also visit non-conference opponents Fairleigh Dickinson (March 30), Sacred Heart (April 13), Alabama Birmingham (April 24-25) and Albany (April 28).
Manhattan plays ball at Van Cortlandt Park for the first time on April 3-4 when the Jaspers host league member Saint Peter’s. Albany (April 7), Columbia (April 21) and NYIT (May 4) will also come to Riverdale this season.
The Jaspers conference home games resume May 1-2 versus Niagara. Manhattan travels to Canisius (May8-9) for a weekend series, before returning to Riverdale for consecutive MAAC series with Iona (May 15-16) and Siena (May 20-21).
The 2010 MAAC Championships will return to Fishkill, N.Y. at Dutchess Stadium from May 27-30, the site of the Jaspers last MAAC Championship.
