WORCESTER, Mass — The Worcester Academy varsity baseball team just got back from a trip to Florida, where they got to practice and play games in warm weather.

Now the Hilltoppers are adjusting to the cold up north. Worcester Academy is scheduled to play their home opener on Wednesday against Buckingham Browne & Nichols School.

The Hilltoppers have lost a lot of experience and talent from last year's roster, but the 2024 group still has some great baseball players in the lineup.

Pitcher Mav Rizy has committed to Louisiana State University, but will probably get drafted in the next amateur baseball draft. And catcher Cam Papetti has committed to Bryant University.

"I'm very excited. We have lot of new guys," Rizy said. "We graduated a lot last year so a whole new group of guys. Very excited. We saw a lot in Florida. Like hitting-wise, I think we're even better than last year, which is tough to do. Then pitching, we have a lot of young guys, which is exciting. Us older guys can throw some of our knowledge on them. So I'm excited to see what they bring."

"You know, our team looks awesome. We had a great week down in Florida," Papetti added. "I know all of us seniors are really excited for our senior year."