FROM CBD NEWS SOURCE
RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Sixth year head baseball coach Kevin Leighton released Manhattan’s schedule for the 2011 campaign. The Jaspers’ slate features out-of-conference contests with powers from the BIG EAST, SEC, Atlantic 10 and Colonial Athletic Association, in addition to the always challenging MAAC slate. Manhattan opens the season Feb. 25-27 with a three game series at Western Carolina.
The Jaspers begin their journey for the program’s second MAAC title in Cullowhee, N.C. to meet Southern Conference member Western Carolina (Feb. 25-27). Manhattan returns to the Bronx briefly for its annual contest with cross-town rival Fordham (March 2), before traveling to Rock Hill, S.C. for the Coca-Cola Classic Tournament with Notre Dame and host school Winthrop of the Big South Conference. The Jaspers open the tournament with the Fighting Irish on March 4, which is followed by a meeting with the Eagles on March 5, and then a doubleheader with both programs on March 6.
Manhattan’s most challenging non-conference series may be against SEC powerhouse Tennessee. The Jaspers visit Knoxville, Tenn. for a three game set with the Vols on March 11-13. The Jaspers then return to the northeast for contests at NJIT (March 15) and Seton Hall (March 16).
Manhattan will play three games in Philadelphia against LaSalle (March 18), Saint Joseph’s (March 19) and Villanova (March 20), before hosting Hofstra for its home opener on March 23 at Van Cortlandt Park. The Jaspers meeting with the Pride will be the final opportunity to tune up before beginning MAAC play at Siena (March 26 & 27).
The Jaspers visit Fairleigh Dickinson (March 29) and Army (March 30), prior to hosting their first conference series welcoming Fairfield to Riverdale, N.Y. on April 2 & 3. Manhattan plays Long Island at home on April 5, and then will travel across the George Washington Bridge to meet Saint Peter’s (April 9 & 10).
Sacred Heart visits Van Cortlandt Park on April 12, which begins a series of five home dates against the next six opponents. The Jaspers host 2010 MAAC Tournament qualifiers Marist (April 16 & 17) and Canisius (April 22 & 23), two series which are sandwiched around a doubleheader at local rival Columbia (April 20).
Manhattan has New York Institute of Technology (April 26) and Albany (April 27) as road opponents on the 2011 ledger. The Jaspers have added East Tennessee State (April 30 & May 1) to the line up and will travel to Johnson City, Tenn. to meet the Buccaneers who finished third in the Atlantic Sun Conference last season.
Manhattan has Fordham at home on May 3 before it travels to Western New York to meet conference member Niagara (May 7 & 8). The Jaspers play defending MAAC champion Rider at home on May 14 & 15 and complete the regular-season four days later at Iona (May 19 & 20).
The 2011 MAAC Baseball Championships return to Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J. from May 25-28.
