California (PA) Fall Report: Noro Era Begins After Historic 38-Win Campaign
- Robert Frey
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic for California (PA). The Vulcans set a new school record with 38 wins, marched to the PSAC Tournament finals, and earned an NCAA Regional berth. Now, the program turns the page to a new chapter, albeit with a very familiar face at the helm.
After nearly a decade on staff, Joey Noro takes over as head coach for his first season in charge. The transition has been seamless, with Noro noting that fall practice was "energetic and fast-paced," as the squad adapted to the style he intends to implement for the 2026 title chase. With nearly 60% of their total production returning, the Vulcans are poised to defend their status as a regional heavyweight.
The Offense
While the lineup sees some turnover, returning 48.3% of its offensive production, the cupboard is far from bare. The attack will likely be sparked by outfielder Ikon Jones, who brings a dynamic element to the order. Jones hit .323 last spring and was a menace on the basepaths, swiping 15 bags while posting a .443 on-base percentage.
He will be joined by a core of returning veterans looking to expand their roles. Caleb Collins returns after hitting .327 with 15 RBIs in 110 at-bats, providing steady contact in the middle of the order. Outfielder Connor Evans made the most of his opportunities in 2025, slashing .330/.387/.480 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in just 100 at-bats. The Vulcans will also look for increased power production from James Salvatori, who slugged five homers and drove in 22 runs while hitting .292.
The returning core is bolstered by an intriguing mix of transfers and freshmen. Sophomore middle infielder Brandon McClain-Banks arrives from Division I Youngstown State, looking to cement a spot in the infield. The freshman class features local talent like Noah Kaszer, a Second-Team All-Section outfielder from Thomas Jefferson High School, and Alex Ables, a middle infielder from Ohio who joins his brother, pitcher Evan Ables, on the roster.
The Pitching Staff
If the offense is retooling, the pitching staff is reloading. The Vulcans return a staggering 75% of their innings from a staff that was dominant in 2025. Leading the charge is right-hander Michael Valente, who is coming off a sensational campaign where he earned Second Team All-Atlantic Region honors. Valente was a workhorse, posting a 10-1 record with a 3.29 ERA over 65.2 innings, striking out 53 batters against just 14 walks. His ability to limit free passes (ranking top 5 in the conference in wins) makes him a true ace.
The rotation depth is enviable. Nathan Holmes returns after logging a team-high 68.2 innings, winning five games and striking out 54. Roman Gill also provides stability, having posted a 3.54 ERA in 12 starts last season.
The bullpen features electric arms capable of shutting down games late. Ryan Sluk is a weapon Noro can deploy in high-leverage situations; the left-hander struck out 34.5% of the batters he faced last year over 19 innings. Colin Watson was nearly untouchable in relief, allowing just two earned runs in 17.2 innings for a microscopic 1.02 ERA.
Newcomers on the mound include freshman right-hander Evan Stranko, a District 10 champion whose fastball has already touched 89 mph, and Tanner Phillips, a highly touted recruit from Virginia ranked as the 107th best player in his state by Perfect Game.
Key Departures
Despite the optimism, Cal U must replace significant production. The lineup loses Payton Conte, the PSAC West Player of the Year and a Second Team All-Atlantic Region selection, who anchored the offense with a .352 average and 52 RBIs. Also gone is First Team All-Region second baseman Santino Marra, who hit a blistering .398, and outfielder Ryan Callahan, who led the team with a 1.087 OPS and nine home runs. On the mound, the loss of closer Jake Kramer, a First Team All-Region arm who transferred to Purdue, leaves a vacancy at the back end of the bullpen.
Schedule & Outlook
The 2026 schedule is designed to test the Vulcans early and often. After opening with a four-game set against G-MAC Tournament runner-up Ohio Dominican at EQT Park, Cal U heads to the RussMatt Invitational in Florida for a gauntlet of games against strong DIvision II programs including matchups with Minnesota State Mankato (who won 51 games last season), St. Cloud State, and Wayne State (MI) - GLIAC Tournament runner-up, amongst others.
Conference play in the PSAC West remains a grind. The Vulcans will face stiff tests from perennial contenders like Seton Hill, Indiana (PA), and Slippery Rock in late April. Not to mention, there will be some midweek games against Point Park and Frostburg State, both of whom won 35+ games last season. With a veteran pitching staff and a reloaded lineup, the goal for Coach Noro’s inaugural squad is clear: defend the 38-win standard and extend on last year's run.
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