JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida is set to play their first road ASUN series of the season as they visit Queens in Charlotte, N.C. UNF is 2-2 away from Harmon Stadium, though this weekend will be the first time the Ospreys leave the state of Florida in 2025. North Florida is searching for their first ASUN series win of the season.
Last Time Out
The Ospreys pulled off a 5-3 road win in Daytona Beach, Fla. against Bethune-Cookman. UNF struck first, scoring four runs in the third inning, and they never looked back. Trevor Nikolis excelled in his first collegiate start, tossing 2.1 innings of scoreless ball. The 'Spreys did not allow a run until the eighth, and escaped a bases loaded jam in the ninth to secure a midweek win.
Scouting Queens
The Royals have struggled this season but are 2-1 in ASUN play. Queens is towards the bottom of the ASUN in most statistical categories, so North Florida has an opportunity this weekend to make up some ground in the ASUN standings. Despite the early season struggles, Queens has been a home run threat this season, clubbing 17 home runs. Anibal Rivera, Justin Barbour, and Nick Alderfer have been among the best offensive performers on the team.
"Ring 'Em Up" Ross
Will Ross has been a consistent starter this season for head coach Joe Mercadante and currently has the second lowest ERA in the ASUN conference. In his most recent start, Ross overcame some early struggles and delivered six strong innings of one-run ball against Jacksonville University. Against Alabama State, Ross tossed seven innings of one-run ball. Both performances were good enough to earn wins. The most drastic change from 2024 to 2025 has been his strikeout numbers. Ross punched out nine batters in 19 innings last year. In 27.1 innings this season, the Winter Garden, Fla. native has struck out 24.
On-Base Machine
Nick Monile continues to be one of the toughest hitters in the ASUN to keep off the bases. Since Monile arrived in Jacksonville, he has started all but one game this season for Joe Mercadante. The Osprey center fielder has reached base safely in 20 of 21 games played this season, recording a hit in 18 of the contests. While he has only recorded seven RBIs, Monile has been a table setter at the top of the lineup, and he leads the 'Spreys in runs (20).
Countdown to 100!!!
Drew Leinenbach is one of the longest tenured Ospreys. The UNF outfielder is rapidly approaching the 100 hit mark. Leinenbach is currently sitting at 92 hits, and could accomplish the feat during the Ospreys road trip. Leinenbach also made his 100th career start during the Ospreys midweek win against Bethune-Cookman.
Series History
North Florida and Queens will meet for the third time in history. The all-time series is tied 3-3 between the Royals and Ospreys. North Florida swept the Royals in 2024, taking three games in Charlotte. In 2023, Queens swept UNF at Harmon Stadium, which was a crucial series for North Florida to take that season. This is the second consecutive season UNF will face Queens on the road, but they will play again in Jacksonville on May 9-11.
Starting Pitchers
Friday - RHP Will Ross vs TBD
Saturday - RHP Bryson Treichel vs TBD
Sunday - LHP Kai Etwaru vs TBD
Queens will broadcast all three games on ESPN+ and updates will be made through live stats, as well as on X/Twitter at @OspreyBSB and Instagram at @OspreysBSB.
