Trinity Christian seeks redemption after last year’s title loss, as the Conquerors’ roster is stacked with 10 Division 1 commits and a wealth of experience.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trinity Christian baseball is back at the top and are aiming for a championship run.
The Conquerors are 21-7 this season and ranked No. 4 in the state and No. 26 nationally, according to MaxPreps. But those numbers carry little weight if they can’t avenge last year’s state title loss.
“It sucked,” Trinity Christian senior and Florida commit Brady Harris said. “We worked really hard to get to that spot and then to fall short in the last game.”
“Last year was really difficult to go through,” Trinity Christian head coach Jon Murphy added. “I think it made us tougher and stronger as a group, and obviously it’s not something we want to experience again.”
Since the heartbreak of that state final defeat, Trinity Christian has had one goal: conquering the championship.
“I think all of us came into this year with that as our No. 1 priority,” Trinity Christian senior and LSU commit Parker Loew said.
They’ve got the roster to do it. 90% of last year’s runner-up team has returned, they’re stacked with 10 Division I commits and Harris is projected as a potential first-round pick in this year’s MLB draft.
“We’ve all been through this for a couple of years now,” Harris said. “I think we have the experience and the talent to combine with that.”
“Everyone’s grown up a little bit,” Loew said. “A lot of the mistakes we made last year aren’t going to happen again, and I think we have a great shot at it.”
The Conquerors have been tested this season, most notably in a comeback win against Bishop Snyder. Trinity Christian rallied from a five-run deficit and won in the 13th inning after more than four and a half hours of play.
“It gives you a ton of confidence,” Murphy said. “No matter what happens, we’re still in it. As long as there’s an out left on the scoreboard, we’ve still got a shot.”
Already a powerhouse in Florida high school baseball, Trinity Christian is now focused on leaving a lasting legacy.
“We know what it feels like to be on the losing side,” Harris said. “You just cherish the moments you have with your best friends because it could be the last time for the rest of your career.”
“All the guys, especially the seniors, know it’s the last time playing together,” Loew said. “They don’t want to lose.”
Trinity Christian will face Trinity Catholic in the regional semifinals. The matchup between the two TC’s begins Friday, with a spot in the regional finals on the line.