In their first season back on the diamond, Liberty Christian ended the season with a Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association state championship. 

Liberty Christian went 3-0 during the tournament in Joplin to win the MCSAA Division II title in their first season back on the baseball diamond. Liberty Christian did not field a team last season. 

Liberty Christian outscored their three opponents 46-8 during the tournament. Liberty Christian baseball coach Bill Coovert said everything clicked for the Eagles during their batting practice prior to the first game of the tournament. 

After beating Aurora Baptist in the quarterfinals, the Eagles earned an 18-4 win over Crosspoint Christian to advance to the championship game. Junior Jack Duvel pitched 3 1/3 innings in the semifinal win. 

“He came in and pitched a great second game,” Coovert said. “All but the last two outs. We had to have another person come in and finish two outs. But that poised us to go into the last game with our top two pitchers ready to go. I think that’s huge. We didn’t even have to use our number two pitcher for the year because Jack did such a great job.” 

The Eagles followed up their semifinal win with a 13-1 win over Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis, avenging two losses to the Crusaders earlier this season. Senior Zach Dames pitched all four innings of the championship game win. 

“I said that at the beginning of the year too that offense and runs covers over a multitude of defensive issues,” Coovert said. “But in this case, the defense was strong on top of it. So between the offense and the defense, I think Zach could just settle in and be confident behind the team.”

One year after not fielding a team, the Eagles counted on the senior leadership of Dames, TJ Coovert and Jed Moss. 

“Zach was the team pick for the year as far as leadership goes,” Coovert said. “They definitely look up to him. But TJ and Jed really did a great job of stepping up too in their own right. Encouraging and just being there for the rest of the younger guys. I think it was a huge push for these guys into the upcoming seasons.” 

Despite the loss of the three seniors, Coovert is optimistic about the future of the Liberty Christian baseball program. He said there was an adjustment for the Eagles this season getting back on the baseball field after a one season hiatus. 

“I think there’s just a gap there that can’t be made up overnight,” Coovert said. “I do believe the boys responded quickly. When you look at a 13-game season and how we finished the season in Joplin, I think it definitely all came together. And I think it’s going to be a springboard for us moving on in upcoming seasons.”