WEST HAVEN, Conn. - The long awaited 2011 University of New Haven spring sports season will officially get underway on Saturday, March 5 when the Charger baseball team travels to Dowling College for a non-conference doubleheader in Brookhaven, N.Y. The first pitch at Golden Lions Field is set for 12 p.m.

The 2011 Chargers hope to improve on their first NCAA postseason appearance since 2006 last season behind fifth-year head coach Raphael Cerrato. Leading the way for UNH will be a trio of senior pitchers. Mitch Rossi, Alex Smith and Matt Sommo will lead the bullpen in 2011. Rossi, who is listed on the Tino Martinez Award preseason watch list, led the Chargers last season with 11 saves in his closing role. The UNH all-time leader in saves, Rossi also boasted a 1.67 earned run average and a 3-1 record. Smith made 10 appearances in 2010 and posted a 6-4 record with a 3.10 ERA. Sommo returned late last season after having offseason elbow surgery. He appeared in three games and posted a 3.52 ERA.

Senior third baseman Tom Rombilus will conclude his outstanding career in 2011. The Monroe, Conn. native has started all 138 games over the last three seasons and led the team with a .310 batting average a year ago. Rombilus will be joined by a strong class of juniors in the field, Jordan Kershaw, Ryan Brockett, Kyle Pettoruto David Wirkus and Cory Carr are all returning starters for UNH this season.

Following Saturday's doubleheader, UNH will immediately return to action on Sunday when they play Molloy College in another non-conference doubleheader. Sunday's game will also take place on the turf of Golden Lions Field in Brookhaven, N.Y.

Live statistics will be available for both games, while video will also be avialable on Saturday afternoon. For links, visit NewHavenChargers.com and click the links on the right hand side of the page under the calendar.