Troy State baseball opens up its 2001 spring season this weekend at home against Nicholls State. The Trojans will play host to the Colonels in a three-game series at Riddle-Pace Field.

Troy State looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2000 season, finishing 22-34, with the guidance of several key returners and a promising crop of newcomers.

Seniors Casey Smith, an infielder from Cottonwood, Ala., and Jonathan Smithers, an outfielder from Tampa, Fla., will be counted on to lead the Trojans at the plate. Smith and Smithers had a combined total of 86 runs, 149 hits, 18 home runs and 101 RBIs last year. They are the only two returning position starters for Troy State. The Trojans also return six pitchers to this year’s team.

Newcomers such as Drew and Wade Miller will also add some power to the Troy State lineup. The Ozark, Ala., natives should have an immediate impact on the Trojan offense. There are a total of 17 newcomers on the 2001 Troy State roster.

Nicholls State is coming off of a 27-29 record at the close of the 2000 season. They return six starters and nine pitchers to this year’s squad.

First pitch is set for 2 p.m. on Friday at Riddle-Pace Field. The second game starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with the final game starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday.