Cathedral High School baseball players Craig Bradley and Zach Flattmann are heading into their senior season with nothing to lose.

For the past three years, the Green Wave has made an appearance in the state title series in two different leagues, MHSAA in 2014-15 and MAIS in 2016. But after losing nine seniors, seven of whom were starters, this year’s journey could be a tad more difficult.

“We are used to winning in the past, and I have a feeling it’s not going to be quite like that this year,” Bradley said. “We can’t get down on ourselves because we aren’t used to losing.”

Not only do Bradley and Flattmann have an impressive run under their belts, but the loss of teammates was also a setback in the team’s unity. Last season’s group had been playing together since they were 6 and 7 years old.

“We were so in sync,” Bradley said. “We knew everything about each other. This year everything is going to be new.”

“Everybody is going to be playing different roles, and everybody is going to be having different jobs here and there,” Flattmann added about the team’s renewed dynamic. “You lose a group like that, and it’s always tough to recover. I don’t care who you are.”

One position that Cathedral lost was in standout pitcher Sam Parker. Bradley will receive his first significant opportunity on the mound since pitching in little league games as a kid, and with Flattmann behind home plate, it could make for a powerful pair.

“We need as many arms as we can get,” Green Wave coach Craig Beesley said. “It’s going to be rough starting out, but our kids are working hard.”

Beesley also noted that while Bradley and Flattmann are the only two returning starters, his team still has a good ratio of upperclassmen.

“We are inexperienced, but not youthful,” he said. “I’m expecting more out of our seniors. Things won’t always go our way, but in those times we will need them more than ever. They are going to get their chance this year, and they are going to have to show me what they can do.”

To fill the remaining spots on the roster, the Green Wave will rely on many former junior varsity athletes to take a leadership role. Sophomore Ben Foster will also get playing time as a pitcher, and ninth grader Ben White will take a position in the outfield.

“(Foster) could be our X-factor,” Beesley said. “He’s gotten a lot stronger, and I’m hoping that he can chew up some innings for us. I’m not sure where (White) will be yet, but he’ll definitely be out there.”

As for how Bradley and Flattman are planning to make their senior year just as memorable as the rest of their time spent in a Cathedral uniform, it’s all about appreciating the ride.

“It’s going to be a year when we win some and we lose some, but you just have to enjoy the game for what it is,” Flattman said. “It’s time for us to take a step back, enjoy the season and make it last.”

Cathedral will begin its season at home on Feb. 14 vs. Amite School Center.