The Paul VI Panthers, coached by Billy Emerson (third season), are off to a tremendous start this baseball season. The Panthers have an overall record of 4-0 and have thus far dismantled their opponents by the amazing combined score of 49-7.

"We've got a solid team all the way around. We've definitely got some pitchers that can keep us in the game. We've got some guys that can swing the bat and defensively [and running the bases] we've got some speed," said Emerson.

PVI opened the season with an impressive 12-1 victory on the road at Centreville. Senior righthander J.T. Richardson (five complete innings) picked up the win versus the Wildcats. Junior Brett Moore pitched two solid innings in relief.

Richardson, who pitched the 5-0 shutout in the 2004 V.I.S. Championship Game versus O'Connell, fanned 11 versus Centreville.

Seniors Scott Eastment and Chuck Evans, as well as junior Robert Lamas, all belted doubles versus Centreville.

In game two of the season, PVI knocked out Robinson 10-0 at home. Senior righthander Will Naylor logged the win for the Panthers. He allowed a single in the first inning, and then retired the remaining batters in order. Junior catcher Robert Lamas belted a two-run homer versus the Rams.

Both Centreville and Robinson are coincidentally amongst the most highly ranked public schools in Virginia.

In game three of the current campaign, the Panthers spanked Wakefield 19-4 in Fairfax. Junior righthander J.D. Polcari pitched four complete innings to earn the victory. Senior righthander Dan Brosnan pitched the fifth and final inning for the Panthers.

Paul VI led 10-0 after one inning, following Scott Eastment's RBI double in the bottom of the first inning. At one juncture, PVI led the Warriors 16-0.

In PVI's most recent contest (March 19), the "Black and Gold" traveled to Alexandria and defeated St. Stephens/St. Agnes 8-2. Senior righthander Scott Eastment pitched the first five innings and picked up the win. J.T. Richardson pitched the final two innings and recorded the save.

John Ralston belted a two-run homer in the top of the second which gave PVI a decisive 3-0 lead versus the Saints.

The 2005 roster consists of nine seniors, seven juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen.

In addition to Richardson, Naylor, Brosnan and Eastment, the senior class includes: first baseman Alex Gregory, second baseman Bryan Short, left fielder Chuck Evans, center fielder Trey McMenamin and utility outfielder Ricky Blazquez.

"We need all of the seniors to step up and set the example this year. We worked hard all fall and all winter. Coach Emerson is the best coach I've ever played for. He is very upfront about his expectations," said J.T. Richardson.

In addition to Moore, Lamas and Polcari, the junior class includes: outfielder Don Foor, outfielder Chad Taylor, "designated hitter"/utility player Zach Miller and catcher Kyle Lewis.

The lone sophomore is starting shortstop John Ralston and the two freshmen include Brett Bowers and Mike Mitchell (a nephew of former Baltimore Oriole Terry Kennedy).

"A lot of our players can play a variety of positions this year," said Emerson.