EDINBURG – There are a lot of new faces around the UTRGV clubhouse. Topping that list is first-year head coach Derek Matlock. The excitement of a fresh start was on display with a new man in charge.

Matlock inherits a team with some key returners. Ivan Estrella, Austin Seiner, and Carter Johnson are among a big group of players that bring experience from last year. 19 newcomers make up the rest of the roster.

“First day of practice went well,” said Estrella. “Our team is looking pretty good already. Individuals went really well and we’re just ready to go.”

“Right now it’s grind time,” said Johnson. “It’s kind of figuring out what works for you and especially you know for me, I’m getting my routine down on what I got to do every day.”

“The old guys have really done a good job of leading this team and they’ve bought into the new culture,” said Matlock. “It’s been fun to watch those guys. They play hard every day. We have to kick them out of here. They don’t want to leave.”

Three weeks and counting for the season opener, but only a week until fans can see the team in action. Saturday, February 3rd UTRGV takes the diamond for the Orange and Gray scrimmage.