DICKINSON, N.D. – Dickinson State has been selected third in the 2026 Frontier Conference Baseball Coaches' Preseason Poll, the league office announced Monday morning. The Blue Hawks earned 15 points in the inaugural poll, which features six programs set to compete in the first-ever Frontier baseball season.

Bellevue (Neb.), the perennial contender and former North Star Athletic Association champion, topped the poll with five first-place votes and 25 points. Dakota State followed in second with 20 points and the remaining first-place vote. Valley City State (8), Mayville State (7), and Bismarck State (5) rounded out the rankings.

While the poll reflects preseason expectations, Dickinson State has already logged valuable game experience, entering November with a 4-4 overall record following eight non-conference matchups. The Blue Hawks have showcased a well-balanced attack at the plate and steady contributions on the mound.

"We had a strong fall, finishing 4-4 against quality competition, and we're excited to build on the momentum from last year's NAIA National Tournament appearance," said head coach Michael Dahl. "This group has been working hard, and we're looking forward to competing all season long."

Senior catcher Ty Farwell (.379 AVG, 2 HR, 12 RBI) has led the offense early, while sophomore outfielder Jadyn Roberts (.333 AVG, 3 HR, 10 R) and graduate outfielder Moses Dokes (.360 AVG, 3 HR, 13 RBI) have delivered consistent power in the heart of the order. Junior infielder Jace Buchanan has also made a strong impression, batting .375 with a .565 on-base percentage and three stolen bases across six starts. Lower in the lineup, junior infielder Ramon Teran (.474 AVG, .600 OBP) and senior outfielder Sawyer Bryner (.417 AVG, 4 SB) have produced quality at-bats and speed, helping turn over the order. As a team, Dickinson State is batting .326 with 12 home runs and 57 RBI through eight games.

On the mound, junior left-hander Mason Lunzman (2-0, 2.65 ERA, 16 K in 17.0 IP) has anchored the starting rotation. The bullpen has also provided stability, with senior returners Noah Aliff and Anthony Hanson, along with junior newcomer Mason Manning and freshman Kevin Olsson, each recording scoreless outings and maintaining 0.00 ERAs early in the season.

The 2026 Frontier Conference season will begin with a preseason round-robin tournament held March 21–22 at the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, S.D. Regular season play officially opens March 27–28.

Dickinson State will also host the 2026 Frontier Conference Baseball Tournament at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark in Dickinson, N.D., beginning Friday, May 1. The tournament champion will earn an automatic bid to the NAIA Baseball National Tournament Opening Round.

2026 Frontier Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Bellevue (Neb.) – 25 pts (5)

2. Dakota State (S.D.) – 20 pts (1)

3. Dickinson State (N.D.) – 15 pts

4. Valley City State (N.D.) – 8 pts

5. Mayville State (N.D.) – 7 pts

6. Bismarck State (N.D.) – 5 pts