WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Baseball will enter the final week of the season in a fight for its postseason life. As the Eagles get set for a big three-game series with Daytona State College, it will start with what could be an emotional night for 11 players. 

Those 11 will be celebrated prior to Thursday night's contest as part of Polk State's annual Sophomore Night. The 5 p.m. Citrus Conference contest will be the final home game for the sophomores at Bing Tyus Yard. 

"Just like every team we put out there, this group knows how to work," Head Coach Al Corbeil said. "They've faced their share of challenges, but they pushed through and showed what it really means to be blue-collar. When our guys head off to the next level, we remind them to carry that Polk grit and toughness wherever they go." 

Kenay Acevedo, IF 

A graduate of Winter Haven High School, Kenay Acevedo arrived at Polk State prior to the 2024 season as a walk-on. Following a redshirt campaign, Acevedo earned a scholarship and is now a two-year starter. 

"That redshirt year was a good year to develop for me," Acevedo said. "I gained 25 pounds and really learned how the game of baseball works. Coach Corbeil had a big impact on me, working on my swing, motivating me to work hard. This was my only option out of high school. I'm really fortunate to have been given this chance." 

After leading the team with 40 runs scored as a redshirt freshman in 2025, Acevedo has continued to be a reliable bat in the lineup. For the year, he's hitting .280 with a .395 on-base percentage. 

"The grittiness is what makes this program here special," Acevedo added. "The little stuff matters – in the gym, in the batting cage, on the field – and that's why this program has had success." 

Hayden Testerman, IF 

After battling injuries as a freshman, Hayden "Bear" Testerman has played every game so far this season for Polk State. A key hitter near the top of the lineup, Testerman leads the team with 16 doubles in addition to a .321 batting average with four home runs and 42 RBIs. 

"The coaches take as much time with you as you need," Testerman explained. "They really care about you and show up for you every day. Polk is a great place to be. You have to work but you get out what you put in. Everyone who comes here gets better and grows in some way." 

Although he's in no hurry to leave, Testerman was one of four sophomores to have signed with a four-year program in the fall. Testerman will continue his collegiate career at Brigham Young University in Utah. 

"I've learned a lot – not only in the field but in life and how to attack every day," he added. "The relationships I've made are what I'm most proud of. I came here not knowing anyone and developed friendships for life over these two years." 

Zach Lester, OF 

Like Testerman, Zach Lester is a local product from Lakeland. During the fall, Lester signed to continue his career at the University of South Carolina Upstate. 

"I've learned how much more mental the game is at this level," Lester noted. "Corbs has taught me that no matter how you feel, you punch the clock and put the work in. That's how it is in life. As a staff, the coaches allow us to grow as players and people. It's not just about who you are as a player, but about the person and husband or father you're going to be." 

After leading the Eagles with eight home runs, 38 RBIs and 20 stolen bases as a freshman last season, Lester is hitting .303 with four home runs, 26 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. In a 16-6 win over St. Johns River State College on Feb. 10, Lester became the first Polk State player in four years to hit three home runs in one game. 

"I'm proud to have been able to be an asset to the team," Lester concluded. "It's been a privilege to be part of this program and to try to do whatever the team needs me to do. I'm proud of how I competed these last two years through injury and adversity." 

Josh Cruz, IF 

"The opportunity to play for Corbs and to earn his trust at so many positions is what I'm most proud of," Cruz said. "I've learned how to manage my time. On the baseball side, I've learned that I belong at this level." 

In addition to raising his average, Cruz has brought good speed to the basepaths and puts the ball in play. He ranks fourth on the team with 11 stolen bases this season and has struck out just 25 times in 132 at-bats. 

"The blue-collar culture is what this program is all about," Cruz added. "Nothing comes free." 

Carson Montsdeoca, P 

A native of Fort Meade, right-hander Carson Montsdeoca spent his freshman season at the University of Florida. As a sophomore at Polk State, he has emerged into the ace of the pitching staff. 

"Polk State gives you a great opportunity to play," Montsdeoca said. "The coaching staff here wants to help you get better. They're truly here for you." 

The opening day starter for the Eagles, Montsdeoca is among the FCSAA leaders in a handful of categories. He ranks seventh in the FCSAA this season with six wins and fifth with a 3.44 ERA. 

"I'm proud that I've been able to give our team a chance to win in my starts," Montsdeoca added. "Coming here has been an enjoyable experience." 

Kevin Brunet, OF 

Recruited as a catcher out of Tampa, Kevin Brunet has also played first base and outfield over his two seasons at Polk State. A dependable left-handed bat, Brunet emerged as a clutch hitter off the bench as a freshman. 

"The big thing that I wanted to do was to make sure I was able to contribute to this team," Brunet reflected. "I wanted to help any way I could. Corbeil gave me an opportunity when no one else would. I wouldn't be where I am without him." 

Brunet finds himself as the team leader in home runs. For the season, he has seven homers. 

"What makes this program special is the work you put in," Brunet said. "Everyone here roots for one another and tries to do what's best for the team. We have a family environment and great love for one another. Everything we go through, we go through together." 

Jason Sawyer, P 

A reliable lefty out of the bullpen, Jason Sawyer arrived at Polk State as a walk-on.  

"You get what you work for here," Sawyer said of Polk State. "I've matured a lot. This level is so much different than high school. I've learned how to battle adversity." 

After going 2-1 with a 4.71 ERA as a freshman, Sawyer is again 2-1 this season and had made a pair of starts. He's also increased his strikeouts per nine innings average from less than six in 2025 to over eight this year. 

"The coaches have helped me become more mentally tough," Sawyer concluded. "That's the biggest thing." 

Anthony Schatz, P 

Lefty Anthony Schatz spent last year at Tallahassee State College before returning home to attend Polk State. Schatz didn't pitch last season in the state's capital, but in his lone season with the Eagles, has been a high-leverage arm toward the back of the bullpen. 

"I'm proud to have had the opportunity to play for this school and with these guys," Schatz exclaimed. "I've gained confidence and realized I could compete at this level." 

This season, Schatz has a 3-0 record with a 4.42 ERA, two saves and 20 strikeouts in 18.1 innings. He was the most recent player to sign with a four-year school, committing to Florida Southern College in his hometown of Lakeland.  

"The coaching staff here is willing to go above and beyond for you," Schatz concluded. "It's more than about just winning. They invest in everyone." 

Kustarr Webb, IF 

A native of Jacksonville, Kustarr Webb has been a consistent bat in the middle of the Polk State order this season. Webb enters Thursday's contest hitting .282 with five home runs and 37 RBIs to go with a .425 on-base percentage. 

"Since I got here, I've grown in all aspects – as a student, player and person," Webb explained. "One of the biggest things I've learned is the mental side of being a college athlete – to fight through adversity and apply what you've worked on in practice. Battling injuries, I've learned to stay even keeled." 

In addition to his accolades on the field, Webb boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and will graduate summa cum laude later this month. He will continue his career at Bethune-Cookman University. 

"I'm proud of the people I've met here and will never forget my teammates," Webb added. "I've improved so much since I got here – defense, my swing. My coaches have worked extensively with me. This experience has been so much more than I expected." 

Roman Corinti, P 

"Being away from home for the first time, you really learn to fend for yourself," Corinti reflected. "Since I've been here, I've learned to be a better man. Being here, you're zoned in on the one common goal and that's getting better with your teammates." 

Corinti ranks seventh in the FCSAA this season in both innings pitched and wins. During the fall, he signed to continue his career at the University of South Alabama. 

"Our coaches have believed in us and gave us opportunities to be seen at the four-year level," Corinti added. "I'm proud to say that I gave my best effort while I was here. I put in the work it takes and I'm moving on to the (NCAA) Division I level." 

Vincent Antuna, P 

"The life lessons I've learned here have been more important than the baseball lessons," Antuna shared. "The way Coach Corbeil runs his practices, you feel more like a family than a team." 

After not factoring in a decision last year, Antuna is 2-0 for the season so far. Antuna worked a scoreless inning in an 18-7 win over his hometown Hillsborough College on Jan. 27 for his first career victory. 

"Everyone pulls for each other here," Antuna added. "It's a great atmosphere."