With a slightly less taxing schedule from a year ago, the Hawai'i-Hilo baseball team is looking to improve on its 6-34 record.

The NCAA Division I independent Vulcans open their 30th season, all under Joey Estrella, Wednesday against the Big 12's Kansas for a six-game series. The first four games are at Wong Stadium in Hilo with the last two at Simmons Field in Kailua, Kona. The Jayhawks were 36-28 overall and 11-15 in the Big 12.

According to Boyd's World's strength of schedule ratings for 2005, the Vulcans had the 12th toughest schedule in the nation. This year's schedule is projected at 98th by the Web site.

"This year's schedule is still a good one, but it's not as difficult," Estrella said. "It's a more balanced schedule. I think we'll be OK, but we still have a lot of things to work on."

The Vulcans lost workhorse John Matson (1-7, 3.63 ERA), who completed his eligibility last year. But back are right-handers Vinny Biggs (1-7, 6.80) and Ryan Olszewski (0-3, 8.10), and left-hander Ryan Hanohano, who was used primarily as a designated hitter last year. Estrella has high hopes for Hanahano, a Waiakea High alum who looked strong in the fall. Estrella also has right-hander Tyson Usui (0-2, 8.05), a senior out of St. Joseph, and freshman Clayton Uechi, a right-hander from Wai'anae High.

Right-handers Kyler Wartman and Eddie Gutierrez are the key components of the bullpen as set-up and closer, respectively.

The infield is a mixture of youth and experience. Sophomore Michael Higa (Pearl City) will play second and senior Jimmy Crider will be at short. When he isn't pitching, senior Wartman will be throwing across to sophomore first baseman A.J. Satele (Kamehameha). Freshman Christan Stephenson (Damien) has played well and could also see action a third.

The outfield is strong with senior David Chu (Kaiser) in left. He batted .307 and led with eight steals last season. Arm tenderness might sideline Chu for a couple weeks, Estrella said, so Christopher Campbell is slated for left. Sophomore Dayne Ogawa (Kamehameha) will be in center and junior Robby Mowers in right. Kyle Correia (Waiakea) is the top backup.

Sophomore Matt Haasenritter (Hilo High) and senior Tyler Curtis will do the catching, and sophomore Mark Veneri (Punahou) is the designated hitter.

"So far, the chemistry has been really good," Estrella said. "The kids understand what we're doing with the program. They have an opportunity to play some of the best teams in the nation and that is what attracts some of them here."

As for this season's schedule, only Wichita State, favorite to win the Missouri Valley Conference, is nationally ranked (26th by Collegiate Baseball) in preseason polls. After playing all their games on the Big Island, the Vulcans will travel to O'ahu for a four-game series (two doubleheaders) on April 14 and 15 at Hans L'Orange Park against Hawai'i Pacific. They will then close their regular season in Texas to play at Texas-Arlington and Dallas Baptist.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.