After winning the Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association state tournament in its second year of existence, the Liberty Christian baseball team is poised to repeat in 2016.

The Eagles return eight starters this year, and Head Coach Ron Dickson admits other teams would like to have the problems he his facing these days.

“We can’t let them rest on their laurels,” he said. “We’re trying to get better and embrace the fact we have a bull’s-eye on our backs.”

The Eagles are led on the mound by junior Jake Pietzman, who earned all-state tournament honors last season.

“Jake is certainly the ace of the staff,” Dickson said. “He expects a lot of himself, and we expect a lot from him, as well.”

Pietzman is expected to throw to senior catcher Kaleb Bagby, who joined him on the all-tournament team last season.

Bagby also helped out on the mound, but Dickson believes he will see the bulk of the innings behind the plate this year.

“He’s a field general,” Dickson said. “Not to mention being our best hitter.”

Bagby will likely hit third in the order this season, in front of his brother, junior Kameron Bagby.

Dickson has been impressed with the progress of freshman shortstop Matt Voss, who played significant innings last season.

“He’s helped out a lot at shortstop,” Dickson said.

Other notable returners include sophomore outfielder Braeden Grow, sophomore second basemen Logan Hart and senior third baseman Brendan Dickson.

“Brendan’s leadership has been great with so many younger guys on the team,” his father, and head coach, said. “He knows that I will be tougher on him than anyone else on the team, but I think he enjoys that challenge.”

The Eagles, which finished last year 11-1, will have a different mindset this season.

Dickson said his players haven’t shied away from the big expectations.

“It’s a constant discussion,” he said of repeating as champs. “Nearly every practice we talk about being the front-runners  this year and playing well every game.”

Liberty Christian opened the season with a 12-2 win over Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis, and host Plaza Heights Christian Thursday at 4 p.m.

The Eagles will head to the MCSAA state tournament in Joplin May 5, and Dickson hopes to see improvements across the board while preparing for a second straight state championship.

“It’s not going to be a cakewalk,” he said. “Last season, we took teams by surprise because no one really knew much about our program. This season will be different, but we want this.”