SAN FRANCISCO -- Academy of Art baseball enters its 11th year of competition in hopes to build on their most successful season in program history when they return to the diamond for their 2019 campaign.

In addition to setting the program win record (24), the Urban Knights enjoyed a host of other highlights throughout the memorable 2018 season including their first four-game sweep and no-hitter in program history. There is good reason to expect that the consistent upward trajectory under head coach Dan McDermott will continue.

The pitcher who threw the no-hitter, senior pitcher Ben Kaser, has landed the honor of PacWest Preseason Pitcher of the Year. ART U returns several high impact players including senior pitcher/first baseman Angel Mora, who hit .309 and also contributes on the mound. Redshirt senior second baseman Elijah Smith looks to build on his solid junior year that earned him All-PacWest Third Team honors. Senior outfielder Taj Dawson and senior pitcher Mason Verhees will also close out the respective careers they started as freshman at Academy of Art.

ART U will take the field with a senior-laden roster including: utility/pitcher Donnie Gardiner, third-baseman Robert "Gio" Villanueva, pitcher Ben Clegg, first-baseman Josh Carlin, pitcher/third baseman Caden Spilsbury, catcher Zak May, and pitcher Gonzo Rios.

The veteran group is complemented by a strong group of new junior transfer Knights: pitchers Matthew Sanchez, Galen Manhard, and Jayson Summers, outfielders Alex Golembiewski, Thomas Delgadillo, and Daniel Curiel, third baseman Fabian Barcena, and shortstop Justin Summers. The 2019 ART U baseball team is rounded out by the underclassmen: sophomore catcher Ryan Gamboa, and pitcher/outfielder Noah Daubin, freshman first/third baseman Nathan Macis, and pitcher/second baseman Will Smith.

The Urban Knights begin their season Friday, Feb. 1 against Simpson. For the complete ART U 2019 schedule, click here.

To follow Academy of Art baseball this season, visit www.artuathletics.com.