SPRINGDALE -- Ecclesia College baseball coach Derrion Hardie is pleased with the progress his Royals have made, recently completing their second consecutive winning season.

The Royals finished their second winning season with a 27-25 record competing in the National Christian College Athletic Association. But the four-year Christian school in Springdale isn't yet affiliated with a conference, which presents some scheduling challenges, Hardie said. But it's not all bad.

"Our schedule includes NCAA and NAIA schools," Hardie said. "We sell that David vs. Golaith hard. If you look at our record, we're holding our own.

"One thing is we don't have a conference tournament, but we do have an opportunity to qualify for the World Series through a regional."

Ecclesia enjoyed a solid season with only one senior on the roster. That was starting shortstop Michael Sage. The Royals return several strong contributors including pitcher Justin Southland, utility man Eckersley Villasmil, third baseman Guy Halbert and second baseman Gerry Sifuentes. Southerland and Villasmil will be juniors, while Halbert will be a sophomore. Sifuentes will be one of three seniors on the team next year.

Villasmil and Halbert each hit .395 to rank among the top 20 in the nation in the NCAA. Southerland was in the top 10 in strikeouts (78) and ERA (2.14). Halbert also ranked fifth in on-base percentage (.515) and Villasmil No. 17 in RBIs (40). Villasmil was also named first-team all-region and Sifuentes was second-team all region.

Hardie said his staff, which includes three assistant coaches, is unheard of at a school the size of Ecclesia. It provides the school an opportunity to start a junior varsity program this season playing 20-25 games.

"We're pretty blessed," Hardie said. "It's one of the reasons we've had the success that we have had."

The Royals play their home games at the Tyson Sports Complex and have gotten the go-ahead to put up the navy and gold school colors around the field to add a little identity. Hardie said the school and Springdale are discussing partnering on some upgrades to the field, too.

Hardie has signed 19 freshman for the fall, including five Northwest Arkansas players. Area players include Matt Garrison and Madison Bates of Springdale Har-Ber, Daniel Sanchez and Brandon Norris of Rogers Heritage, and Aaron Means of Gravette.