For the fourth time in the past five seasons, the Prestonwood Christian Academy Lions baseball team is headed back to the TAPPS Division I State Baseball Tournament at Clay Gould Ballpark in Arlington.

Reaching the final week of the season has become a consistent part of the program under Head Coach James Vilade, as the Lions continue to build on a strong tradition that includes state championships in 2016 and 2022.

PCA Plano baseball enters the state semifinals with a 29-3 record after a regional series sweep over Frisco Legacy Christian. The Lions have now won eight straight games and have continued to find success throughout the season through timely hitting, pitching depth and strong defensive play.

Coach Vilade credited much of the program’s success to the development taking place throughout every level of PCA Plano baseball and the consistency of the coaching staff across middle school, junior varsity and varsity.

The Lions will face Argyle Liberty Christian in Monday’s state semifinal matchup, a rematch of last year’s semifinal game that went 10 innings before PCA secured a 6-4 win and advanced to the state championship game.

With much of the core returning from last year’s state finalist team, the group’s chemistry and experience have continued to be a strength throughout the season.

Seniors Junior Kniffen, Jake Felsman, Trent Vilade and Cruz Banuelas continue to lead the lineup, while sophomore Riggs Huggins has provided a strong offensive presence this season.

On the mound, the Lions have relied on a deep pitching staff led by Savion Sims, along with contributions from Steele LeBouef, FJ Guignard and Austin Smith.

PCA carries a 1.61 team ERA into Monday’s state semifinal matchup as the Lions return to Arlington once again.