Joey Estrella, who enters his 29th season as coach, is hopeful the Vulcans can improve on last year's 9-43 record despite yet another challenging schedule that features four teams ranked between 28 to 50 in Baseball America's preseason top 50. Among them are No. 27 Florida State, No. 39 Wichita State and No. 50 Nebraska. San Diego is ranked 48th. Hilo is not scheduled to play UH-Manoa, ranked No. 42, this season.

"That's what we have to offer our players, the opportunity to play some of the best teams in the nation and we just have to compete," Estrella said. "Our goal this year is to be competitive in every game. I think depth-wise, we might be there. If you're competitive, you have a chance to win."

A third of the Vulcans' starting batting order returns with center fielder David Chu (.299, 26 runs, 12 steals), right fielder Sean Tamura (.333 12 doubles, 11 steals). and third baseman Johnny Dudoit (.282 4 HRs, 35 RBIs).

"They give us a good nucleus to work with," Estrella said.

The trio will be surrounded with newcomers.

Catcher Tyler Curtis and shortstop Jimmy Crider are JC transfers. Former UH Rainbow Gary Ahu Jr., also a JC transfer with only this season of eligibility left, will play second base. First base and left field are projected to be manned by freshmen A.J. Satele and Dayne Ogawa. Both are Kamehameha graduates.

Designated hitter also could be anchored by freshmen in Mark Veneri (Punahou) and Matt Haasenritter (Hilo), as well as by returnees Marc Caviglia and Ryan Hanohano.

The projected starting rotation includes two returnees in 6-foot-6 left-hander John Matson (2-6, 6.28 ERA) and right-hander Tyson Usui (0-3, 6.44). They will be joined by three JC transfers in right-hander Vinny Biggs, left-hander John Pinasco and right-hander Ryan Olszewski.

The bullpen features JC transfer Kyler Wartman, freshman Emil DeAndreis and returnee Kyle Neuberger.

Estrella also welcomes three new assistants. Actually, Kallen Miyataki returns after a three-year hiatus and will be associate coach. Miyataki, who also played for Estrella, had been Estrella's assistant about 10 years before becoming assistant athletic director at UHH. Also, former UHH player Kevin Yee joins the staff as well as Kevin Kane, who has been an assistant at Cuesta College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

"It's been tough," Estrella said. "We've had different coaching staffs the last three or four years. But this time, the coaches are more familiar names (Miyataki and Yee). Changing coaches every year makes it difficult for a program. We don't have any full-time assistants, so changeover is expected."

As an independent, scheduling is different for UHH. To bring teams from the mainland, it is imperative to start the season early. The Vulcans have often been the first to play games among the Division I teams. San Diego actually beat them to the punch, having opened against Cal Poly on Friday.

But the Vulcans face problems if the NCAA approves the proposed March 1 starting date. Mainland teams would be reluctant to travel to Hawai'i from March because that's when most schools begin conference play.

"It could (lead to) drastic changes in Vulcan baseball," Estrella said. "If we go back to Division II, we can start playing in February. That may be an option."

Notes: Tickets are on sale 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the school's campus in Building E 320A, room 101 (behind the gym).