Today we take a look at our second program from the 1A classification, the Sierra Lutheran Falcons.  With just two preseason submissions in the 1A class, it is easy to see why the two programs are successful.  The Falcons were a two seed in the Northern Region playoff a year ago. Sierra Lutheran is located in Carson City, NV and has a great deal of success in a variety of supports competing in various classifications.  Coach Neal and his staff are excited for the upcoming season in spite of losing some key performers from last year’s playoff club.

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Team: Sierra Lutheran 

Nickname: Falcons

NIAA Classification: 1A

League: NV

Head Coach: Brandon Neal

2018 Overall Record: 17-6 (9-3)

2018 League Finish: 2nd in league

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Virginia City

2018 Postseason Finish: 1-2 (3^rd in Northern Region)

Number of Returning Starters: 5

Number of Returning Pitchers: 4

Top Returning Players: ’19 SS/P Zane Warkentin; ’19 P/C Rob Sciacca; ’19 3B/P Wyatt Simposon; P/C/P ’19 Alex Bernard;

College Commits: None

Top 2019 Players: ’19 SS/P Zane Warkentin; ’19 P/C Rob Sciacca; ’19 3B/P Wyatt Simpson; P/C/P ’19 Alex Bernhard;

2019 Outlook: Coach Neal and his staff have the luxury of returning eleven seniors from last year’s playoff team, providing a wealth of experience.  Four of the five returning starters will see time on the mound.  Senior, Zane Warkentin hopes to lead the Falcons back to that Northern Region playoff and earn a different result.  With a high baseball IQ, Warkentin is a leader on the field. He has good speed and a solid bat. Classmates, Rob Sciacca, Wyatt Simpson, and Alex Bernard hope to shoulder some of the load on the mound as well as in the lineup. Sciacca offers an ability to execute offensively and is a consummate strike thrower on the mound.  Coach Neal relies on Simpson to provide steady defense and consistent offense. Bernhard shows good arm strength and some raw power and should be a run producer.  Sierra Lutheran will miss the services of senior, Rocky DiMartino, who suffered a season ending injury. PBR Nevada wishes DiMartino a speedy full recovery.

The Falcons will surely receive contributions from a variety of other capable performers, but in the end, team’s cannot buy experience and the Falcons will rely on that in addition to the hunger for redemption in pursuit of a state championship bid.

UP NEXT: Bishop Manogue Miners