Eagles hoping to pick up where they left off BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer EDISON - The township high school baseball team will look to build upon the success of last year's 17-7 mark when the new season gets under way with a road game April 4 against GMC Red Division rival J.P. Stevens. Last year's Edison team played its way into the quarterfinal round of the GMC Tournament before falling to South Amboy, and reached the second round of the state tournament but lost to Freehold Township. "We lost some key players from last year's lineup and without a doubt our pitching will be the question mark," Edison head coach Vin Abene said. "I know our pitching staff is young, but they all throw strikes. Because of their inexperience at the varsity level, they may get off to a slow start, but that's OK. I know they'll get better once they get a few games under their belt." In addition to losing offensive powerhouses in shortstop Dave Zavistoski and right fielder Bryan Elvina, Edison took a hit with the graduation of pitcher Mo Riley. Riley posted a 7-1 record last season and is currently playing football for Hampton University. Zavistoski and Elvina are playing baseball for Rowan University and Mercer County College respectively. With Riley gone, Gary Thompson, Julian Laguna and Steve Tagliareni should soak up a lot of innings this year. Laguna compiled 17 innings last year while junior Shawn Renner gave the Eagles six innings in 2006. Renner's classmate Jared Shukis is also likely to see mound time. "Our defense should be strong and catcher Cal Costanzo will lead from behind the plate," Abene said. "Cal had a breakout season last year and finished up hitting over .500. He'll stay at third in the order. He's committed to Monmouth University on a scholarship." When Laguna is not on the hill, he will be at second base next to returning starter Phil Okner at first base. With Zavistoski gone, Kevin Ryan moves from third base to play shortstop, and junior Brian Goodman takes over at third. "We've got some experience in the infield, which should be a strength of ours," Abene said. "We also have a lot of speed in the outfield." Junior Dylan Laguna returns to center field and atop the batting order where he started last season. Senior Alberto Ruiz is also back in the outfield after missing most of last year with an injury. Classmate Geoff Toro and junior Steve Loriot are also expected to see action from the outfield. "I feel confident in all five guys that will take the ball for us this year and think they'll fit in just fine," Abene said. "I'm also confident in the offense. We have guys that put the ball in play and make things happen."