TUCSON, Ariz. (1/8/07) - The Kean University baseball team has been tabbed to the #15 spot in Collegiate Baseball's NCAA Division III preseason rankings. Kean, who advanced as a Pool C team to the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament a year ago and finished third, ended the 2006 season with an overall record of 31-17.This season the Cougars return nine position starters as well as eight quality pitchers. Included in Collegiate Baseball's release was a national list of players to watch during the 2007 season. Included on that list are senior pitcher Dan Zeffiro (Old Bridge, N.J.), junior pitchers Andrew Cupido (South Plainfield, N.J.) and Joe Augustine (Highland Park, N.J.), senior first baseman Aaron Richard (Plainfield, N.J.) and senior shortstop Perry Schatzow (Ocean, N.J.).

Of the 30 teams ranked and 12 others as listed to watch, Kean will face seven teams for a total of 12 contests this season.

Baseball is right around the corner as the Cougars open the 2007 season on Saturday, February 24th at Stevens Institute of Technology at 1 p.m. and return for their first home opener on Tuesday, February 27th at 2:30pm here at Jim Hynes Field.