LCC's Mid-season Report
Lenoir Community College Lancers: Midseason Progress Shows Strong Improvement
At the midway point of the season, the Lenoir Community College Lancers are showing marked improvement from last year, boasting a 14-7 overall record (.667) compared to 21-26 (.447) in 2024. With a 5-4 conference record (.556) and an impressive 9-1 home record, the Lancers have established themselves as a force at home, though road challenges persist with a 5-6 away mark.
Statistically, this season's offensive and pitching numbers indicate a more potent and balanced squad compared to the previous campaign. Here’s a breakdown of how the Lancers are performing in key areas.
Offensive Breakdown: More Runs, More Power
Team Batting Comparison
2025 (so far): .274 AVG / .429 OBP / .405 SLG
2024 (full season): .256 AVG / .374 OBP / .359 SLG
LCC’s offense has taken a leap forward in nearly every statistical category. Their batting average has risen from .256 to .274, while on-base percentage (.429) and slugging percentage (.405) have also improved significantly.
Power and Extra-Base Hits
The Lancers already have 47 doubles (9th nationally), compared to 60 in 47 games last year.
Home runs: 10 (this season) vs. 25 (last season) – The pace suggests a similar or slightly improved total by season’s end.
Runs scored: 153 in 21 games vs. 267 in 47 games last season – LCC is averaging 7.3 runs per game compared to 5.7 last year.
The increased ability to drive the ball into the gaps has played a major role in the Lancers’ success, with 58 extra-base hits (25th nationally) already, a number that could easily surpass last season’s total of 88.
Plate Discipline and Speed
Walks: 134 (11th nationally) compared to 216 last year.
Stolen bases: 32 so far, on pace to surpass last season’s 82.
The Lancers have maintained excellent patience at the plate, drawing an elite number of walks (11th in the nation) while also being aggressive on the bases.
Pitching Performance: Improvement in Key Areas
Team Pitching Comparison
2025 ERA: 5.25 (61st nationally)
2024 ERA: 5.46 (51st nationally)
While the ERA has improved slightly, the biggest difference comes in win efficiency. The Lancers are winning games with better run support and capitalizing on solid pitching performances.
Key Pitching Trends
Strikeouts per 9 innings: 6.85 (consistent with last season)
WHIP: 1.56 (down from 1.65 last year)
Opponent batting average: .244 (31st nationally), down from .293 last season
A major factor in this improvement is better control and limiting walks. Opposing hitters are struggling more this season, hitting just .244, a significant drop from last year’s .293.
Home vs. Away Splits
Home ERA: 4.88 (significantly improved)
Away ERA: 6.11 (still an issue)
Last season, LCC allowed 419 hits in 356 innings – this year, opponents are struggling more at the plate.
If the Lancers can continue improving their road pitching performances, they could elevate themselves to true contender status.
Remaining Schedule: Key Matchups Ahead
Lenoir Community College still has a competitive slate of games ahead, with several crucial matchups that could define their season.
March
Tue. 11 – at Barton College JV (2:00 PM)
Wed. 12 – vs. NC Wesleyan JV (2:00 PM)
Sat. 15 – at Southeastern-Whiteville (1:00 PM, 3:30 PM)
Sun. 16 – vs. Southeastern-Whiteville (1:00 PM)
Tue. 18 – vs. Methodist University JV (2:00 PM)
Sat. 22 – vs. Bryant & Stratton (VA) (1:00 PM, 3:30 PM)
Sun. 23 – vs. Bryant & Stratton (VA) (1:00 PM)
Wed. 26 – vs. Pitt (2:00 PM)
Sat. 29 – vs. Richard Bland (12:00 PM, 3:00 PM)
Sun. 30 – at Richard Bland (1:00 PM)
April
Wed. 2 – at Pitt (4:00 PM)
Sat. 5 – vs. Fayetteville Tech (12:00 PM, 3:00 PM)
Sun. 6 – vs. Fayetteville Tech (1:00 PM)
Wed. 9 – vs. Pitt (2:00 PM)
Sat. 12 – vs. Cleveland (at Sock Puppet Stadium, Burlington) (2:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Tue. 15 – at Pitt (4:00 PM)
Fri. 18 – vs. Brunswick (12:00 PM, 3:00 PM)
Sat. 19 – vs. Brunswick (1:00 PM)
Wed. 23 – vs. Pitt (2:00 PM)
Sat. 26 – vs. Southeastern-Whiteville (1:00 PM, 3:30 PM)
Sun. 27 – at Southeastern-Whiteville (1:00 PM)
Wed. 30 – at Pitt (6:00 PM)
May
Fri. 2 – at Bryant & Stratton (VA) (1:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Sat. 3 – at Bryant & Stratton (VA) (1:00 PM)
With several key conference matchups ahead, including multiple games against Pitt, Brunswick, and Fayetteville Tech, LCC has an opportunity to solidify its standing in the region and push for postseason success.
Key Takeaways: The Road Ahead
Positives
✔️ Higher team batting average and power numbers
✔️ More patient at the plate (11th in walks nationally)
✔️ Improved pitching WHIP and opponent batting average
✔️ Dominant home record (9-1)
Areas to Improve
❌ Away record still under .500 (5-6)
❌ Reducing ERA on the road (6.11 ERA away vs. 4.88 at home)
❌ Keeping strikeout numbers up (6.85 K/9, could be higher for dominance)
Final Midseason Outlook
Lenoir Community College has made clear strides from last season, with a stronger offense, a more disciplined approach at the plate, and a defense that’s making life tougher for opponents. If they can shore up their road performance and maintain their offensive production, this could be a breakout year for the Lancers.
With the second half of the season still ahead, LCC has positioned itself as a serious conference contender. The combination of a deep lineup, disciplined approach, and improved pitching makes this team one to watch as the season progresses.
