MONROE, La.—Defending Sun Belt Champion ULM opened fall baseball practice on Monday afternoon working out for nearly three hours at Warhawk Field. 

The Warhawks return 18 players from last year’s championship squad including All-American shortstop Ben Soiginer (.394, 21 2B, 16 HR), All-Sun Belt selection Ryan McMillan (.298, 16 2B, 7 HR) and closer Derek Ward (5-3, 3.38 ERA, 7 SV).

2008 Sun Belt Coach of the Year Jeff Schexnaider welcomes 17 newcomers to this year's team, including 10 junior college transfers.   The Warhawks bolstered their pitching staff with 11 new pitchers in addition to returning weekend starters Drew Graham and Keith Christensen.

The Warhawks will host a pair of games during the fall against Arkansas-Monticello on Oct. 5 and Bossier Parish Community College on Oct. 12 – both games start at 2 p.m.  ULM wraps up fall practice with the annual Blood Series on Oct. 22, 24, 26-28 with the losing team of the best 3-of-5 series donating blood to a local blood bank.

ULM opens the 2009 season hosting the inaugural ULM Warhawk Classic on Feb. 20-21 against Stephen F. Austin, Northwestern State and Mississippi Valley State.