MONTICELLO — The Monticello-Albany baseball co-op couldn’t muster a single win last year — dropping 13 games in conference and 24 overall — but head coach Richard Wachholz doesn’t consider the season an entire loss.

“Even though our records didn’t show it, we improved quite a bit last year from a competitive standpoint,” Wachholz said. “While we struggled to score runs, our defense and pitching improved a lot in 2022. We cut our runs allowed per game in half.”

This was largely due to Tyler Anderson on the bump. The 2022 graduate received All-Conference Honorable Mention accolades and led the team in most pitching categories. Although this is a big loss, Wachholz is confident the next players in line will be up to the task.

“We have to replace almost 50% of our innings pitched last year with the loss of Tyler Anderson and Andy Gertsch to graduation,” Wachholz said. “I believe Cody Price and Carson Gafner have the stuff to take that next step and be the leaders of our pitching staff. Then, we have plenty of players after them that threw some quality innings for us last year.”

The remainder of the pitching staff includes right-handers Aidan Brewer, Nate Stokstad, Kamron Parker and Tyler Patchen. Brayden Bakken and Leon Parker will give a different look as left-handers.

Combined with the defense, Wachholz is confident his team will continue to trend upward.

“I think we can be a strong defensive team this year,” Wachholz said. “We started out the 2022 season playing very solid defense behind our pitchers. Unfortunately, as the season wore on, our defensive miscues increased. If we get off to a strong start this year, I believe this group has the capability to play well in the field all season.”

One area Wachholz wants to see his team improve is offense, specifically in creating small-ball opportunities.

“We must become more of a threat by being better bunters and baserunners,” Wachholz said. “We don’t have the power where we can slug it out with other teams. We have to create opportunities by putting pressure on the opponent’s defense and pitchers.”

With all these pieces in place, the Ponies hope all their hard work will translate to a win this year.

“Our mindset will be to continue to improve each day as a team and as a program,” WBut each and every one of us — players and coaches — wants to start seeing numbers add up in the win column.”

Monticello-Albany will have to work especially hard to get wins against Pecatonica and Barneveld — the top two teams in the conference last year. Wachholz anticipates a repeat of last season in terms of standings.

“The Six Rivers East is still the conference of Barneveld, Pecatonica and everyone else,” Wachholz said. “Even though both teams lost a high-level starter, those two programs have the most overall talent and will compete again for the conference title.”