It’s hard to get to the top, but it’s even harder to stay there.

None the less, the St. Edward’s University baseball team is hoping to earn its third-straight regular-season championship title and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth year in a row.

Ranked amongst the top-25 Division II schools in the nation, the St. Edward’s baseball team is currently 10-3. Although this overall record isn’t perfect, it was expected at the start of the season.

“We’ve been on a little bit of a struggle early on, but that’s typical,” St. Edward’s Baseball Head Coach Rob Penders said. “Usually the pitchers are ahead of the hitters in the beginning of the year — and that’s what we’ve run into. Our hitters are starting to catch up.”

All three conference-recognized starting pitchers from last season’s rotation have returned for their senior season: Colin Sherrod, Bryce Davis and Cameron Stanton.

Three weeks into the season, Sherrod is now the all-time strikeouts leader for St. Edward’s, starting the season with two shutout performances and sporting a current a 0.90 ERA percentage.

In addition, two transfer pitchers have also made victorious debuts: senior Stuart Springer and junior Juan Cortina. Several relief pitchers, both old and new, have also played a huge role in three recent shut-out wins.

Taking it game-by-game, and pitch-by-pitch, Penders says it’s important to compile as many wins as possible early in the season.

Excellent pitching keeps the opponent from scoring, but strong hitting is what ultimately allows the team to get on the board.

Several of last season’s strongest hitters have proven their consistency so far.

Senior first baseman J.D. Arrowood hit three home runs in the team’s most recent series against Drury University, leading the team with a .429 batting average.

In fact, several players on the line-up have had multi-hit games. Penders says newcomer junior right-fielder Romeo Cortina has been an offensive standout with a .349 batting average.

“As we get deeper into the season, those guys should progress and move along like they’ve done thus far,” Penders said. “If they keep doing that, and getting better, we’ll be in fine shape.”

Following the team’s sweep against the University of Houston-Victoria Feb. 14, Penders told St. Edward’s Athletics, “When we play well as a whole team, we are tough to beat. Hopefully this sweep will give our guys the experience to repeat these during season.”

“To ensure yourself of a spot in the postseason, sweeps are necessary,” Penders said, expecting the next several weekends of home series to balance the team and help them prepare for conference play.

The Hilltoppers hope to extend their eight-game winning streak this weekend, as they host Long Island University-Post.