RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - For Lancers' head coach Scott Ahlstrom and his Cordova High team, spring signifies the start of a new season, where all their goals and aspirations are within reach. In addition to the beginning of a new slate, the team will transition to the new Metro League this season, which promises to bring some tough competition. 

The excitement is palpable down at Peterson Field inside Hagan Park, as the group has already started swinging for the fences in 2025. The Lancers started their season on Feb. 11 with a 5-5 tie at home against visiting Destiny Christian Academy. Although they didn't get the win, Ahlstrom and his team are optimistic as they get the ball rolling in the new campaign. 

"I think we're better than last year," Ahlstrom said. "After our first game the other day, though, I’m starting to realize there's a couple things we need to work on. But I mean it's early in the season, right? But yeah, I'm feeling pretty good."

This year, the Lancers will field a very young roster comprised of just one senior and a litany of underclassmen. The group’s core are sophomores and juniors but, according to Ahlstrom, that isn't something that he is worried about as many of the youngsters have been together since Little League.

"It can be misleading," Ahlstrom said. "We do have young guys but we have guys that are coachable and they've all bought in. The youth doesn't matter in my opinion because they know what they're doing and they work together as a unit real well. I've known these kids for a while, so they know the system."

Key contributors figure to include junior pitcher/infielder Levi Nyberg, an All-State player a season ago who also led the team with a .671 batting average. A trio of sophomores in Bro Ahlstrom, Gage Cordova and Gabriel Bargas will also be relied upon in a big way as players who produce all over the field. Additionally, freshman outfielder Nathan Jones has quickly made an impression on the team. At 6'1" and 180 pounds, Ahlstrom describes Jones as "made out of a granite mountain." The newcomer figures to provide some power in the Lancers' lineup this season. 

The Lancers will compete in the new Metro League this spring, which promises to provide some big-time competition against the likes of McClatchy and West Park high schools. For Ahlstrom, the fresh start is welcomed as he said that it will bring the best out of his roster. 

"The GSL (Greater Sacramento League) was not very strong, so we went game to game and it was tough to get guys 'up' for those games," Ahlstrom said. "The Metro (League) is going to be a lot better competition and win or lose, you're still going to get better each game going against that better competition. When you do, well, there's a lot more notoriety because there's more weight carried in the new league rather than the GSL, so that'll be good."

The Lancers’ next home game is scheduled for 3 p.m. Feb. 26 as the team hosts Inderkum at Peterson Field.