Hawai'i-Hilo has the distinction of hosting the opening game of the 2007 NCAA Division I baseball season and it could not have picked a better opponent.

The Vulcans will take on defending national champion Oregon State at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Wong Stadium. Both have the headstart on eight other teams, including UH-Manoa, that start their seasons Friday.

"It's going to be a real challenge," UHH coach Joey Estrella said. "Having (OSU) start the season here is exciting for our boys. They're real excited."

The four-game series also includes a 1 p.m. doubleheader Friday and the 1 p.m. series finale Saturday at Simmons Field in Kailua, Kona.

Among the Beavers' losses are three starting pitchers, an All-America outfielder, as well as three starting infielders. Still, OSU was 16th in Baseball America's preseason ranking.

Another ranked team on tap for UHH is No. 10 Wichita State.

The Vulcans, an independent, will try to improve on their 15-34 record of last season.

"We have more depth overall," said Estrella, who enters his 30th season at UHH. "Whether we have the ability level to compete with some of the teams (on our schedule) is only going to be proven out. But one thing's for sure: This team is going to play hard. They like each other. They will play it the right way."

PITCHERS

Two newcomers — junior college transfers Lars Knepper and Joe Davis, both right-handers — join returnees Clayton Uyechi (4-1, 9.25), a right-handed sophomore from Wai'anae, and Kaiana Trask (0-0, 12.56), a left-hander of hometown Hilo High in the starting rotation.

Another JC transfer, right-hander Dustin Gilmore, is targeted as the closer.

Estrella also has been pleased with the performances of right-hander John Holley, a freshman out of Pahoa High; Karl Maas, a 6-foot-5 freshman right-hander from California; and returning junior left-hander Emil DeAndreis (0-1, 7.41).

"Our pitching staff is one of our strengths," Estrella said.

CATCHERS

Returnees Ryan Taiariol and Matt Haasenritter will be behind the plate.

Taiariol played in just seven games last year, while Haasenritter played in 40, batting .250.

INFIELDERS

The right side is experienced with juniors Michael Higa at second and A.J. Satele at first.

"(They) played well last year and we're hoping they continue," Estrella said.

Higa was the team's leading hitter at .331 last season, while Satele hit .216 with 15 RBIs.

The left side is new with JC transfer Jon Vitale at third and freshman Shane Kessell, of Olympia, Wash., a short.

Freshman Peter Rodgers is a utility infielder who also will serve as emergency catcher.

OUTFIELDERS

The starting outfield is experienced. The Vulcans welcome the return of fifth-year senior David Chu, a medical redshirt last season because of a shoulder injury. The left fielder is pegged to bat leadoff.

Junior center fielder Dayne Ogawa (.224) started in all 49 games last year, while senior right fielder Robby Mowers (.243) started in 43. Mowers made six appearances as a pitcher totaling 7 1/3 innings.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.