MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- The 2016 season has started strong for Barry baseball with highlight wins over nationally-ranked Catawba and a series win over Wisconsin-Parkside, but now the real challenge begins. The Buccaneers will open Sunshine State Conference play this weekend as they take on the Tritons of Eckerd.

In 2015, the Bucs finished 7^th in the conference and will be aiming to raise their position to one of the best in the league.

The effort to regain that stature begins this weekend as Barry takes on a Tritons team that comes in from a 6-3 loss to Ave Maria on Wednesday night.

Threats on the Tritons roster include RHP Nick Hill, a pitcher with a rare acumen at the plate. The senior leads the team with seven RBI, 10 total bases and is tied for first with one homerun.

Junior infielder Lucas Luopa leads the Tritons in hits with eight and 15 at-bats.

On the mound, Eckerd will rely on arms like those of senior LHP Kevin Plant, who leads the team with six strikeouts and sophomore RHP Jack Mahan, who is second with five strikeouts.

First pitch is slated for 6 PM on Friday, with Saturday's doubleheader beginning at 1 PM. All the action can be followed live HERE.