FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The 2025 season for Fredonia State ended in a fourth place finish in the SUNYAC and earned a spot in the conference tournament for the second straight year. The Devils rise last spring was fueled by pitcher Kendall Phillips who was named SUNYAC Pitcher of the Year and earned First Team All-Conference honors. Outfielder Madison Lowe also earned the First Team honors, while catcher Avery Hill secured Second Team recognition. The Devils enter 2026 with momentum and belief that they can go further. 

"We have high expectations this year. After coming off one of the best seasons in recent history, the Blue Devils are looking to improve on last season," Head Coach Tony Ciccarello said. "With seven everyday starters returning, and seven newcomers, along with many players with experience, we expect a lot more from this team."

In the preseason SUNYAC coaches poll, Fredonia was slotted fifth. Cortland Red Dragons topped the poll with 80 points, while just two points separated Oneonta Red Dragons (66), Buffalo State Bengals (65), and New Paltz Hawks (64). The Devils were next with 50 points, ahead of Plattsburgh, Oswego, Potsdam, Morrisville, and Canton.

Pitching for the Devils will remain strong for the 2026 season as Phillips is expected to once again lead the unit. Lowe, who primarily plays in the outfield, is projected to see additional innings in the circle this spring. Sabrina Edwards-Smith continues to compete for a larger role after logging innings last year, while freshmen Cayzlee Johnson and Phoenix Thomas provide additional depth for the Devils as well. 

The infield features several returning players alongside newcomers. Kirsten Lajewski returns at first base after transitioning from shortstop last season. Deanna North, who missed her freshman campaign due to injury, is back in the mix along with freshman Emma Doody. At second base, Brooke Caldwell enters preseason as a primary option, with Eva Gnadzinski and Lilly Foglia also working into the rotation. With the graduation of Allie Wandell, Maddy Devore shifts to shortstop, where she is joined by Gnadzinski and Arianne LeRouzes. LeRouzes is also seeing time at third base.

Kayla Jo Lynn returns for her third season at third, while Edwards-Smith and Kate Kenny provide flexibility for the Devils. Behind the plate, Hill enters her third year as a starter and will again handle much of the catching duties. Kenny, Alexa Bogad, Tiffany Brojer, and Doody provide additional options as well. 

Fredonia opens the season with a 12-game Florida trip from March 14 – March 20 before hosting SUNY Geneseo in the home opener on March 25. Conference road tests begin quickly with trips to New Paltz (4/03) and Oneonta (4/04), followed by Buffalo State (4/11). The Devils also travel to Morrisville (4/24) and Cortland (4/25) in late April.

"I feel the potential of this team is unlimited as long as we play as a team and we don't depend on one or two players," Ciccarello said.

Game one for Fredonia State is just a week away with the Devils scheduled to kick off their season in Florida against Belhaven Universirty on March 14th.