Fresno State shocked everyone two seasons ago when it stormed through the NCAA postseason and captured the program's first national title.

As expected, the Bulldogs took a small step back last season with a very young team littered with inexperienced players at key positions.

Even with the inexperience, the Bulldogs still managed to make an NCAA regional and compiled a winning 32-20 record.

Fresno expects much more in the spring.

The Bulldogs must find a way to replace key hitters Tom Mendonca and Alan Ahmady, but welcomes back six productive hitters from last year's team. Fresno also welcomes back several starting pitchers and a plethora of talented relievers.

There's no reason why coach Mike Batesole's team shouldn't be back in a regional. A super regional berth also wouldn't be a surprise.

It's time to dissect the Bulldogs.

Fresno State's five keys

1. Use last season as a learning experience -- Given the amount of key players, specifically pitchers, they lost from the national title team, it's almost amazing the Bulldogs returned to the NCAA postseason in '09. The Bulldogs certainly didn't put together an impressive regular season resume, but once again rose to the occasion at the right time down the stretch. Now the Bulldogs need to realize last season was a rebuilding campaign and that much more is expected of them. Fresno had one of the nation's youngest teams last season, and the fact it still reached the postseason should give the team a wealth of confidence. Last season truly was a great learning experience for the pups.

2. Find a way to replace Tommy Mendonca and Alan Ahmady -- The Bulldogs enjoyed the services of Mendonca and Ahmady for a few seasons, but now must move on without the dynamic duo. Mendonca is the toughest loss. In addition to his duties as a key defensive cog, Mendonca was an even better hitter. He batted .339 with eight doubles, 27 homers and 78 RBIs last season. He also slugged .721 and had a .447 on-base percentage. Ahmady, meanwhile, had his fair share of off the field issues, but still was a good hitter. He batted .326 with six homers, two triples, eight homers and 53 RBIs in '09. Overall, the duo accounted for 35 of Fresno's 89 homers last season. It'll be interesting to see how the Bulldogs plan to replace these two.

3. Rise to the occasion at the plate -- The Bulldogs finished last season with only a .283 batting average, but have the potential to put together a potent '10 campaign. Fresno must replace Mendonca and Ahmady, but welcomes back several key hitters, including veteran shortstop Danny Muno and outstanding sophomore Dusty Robinson, who finished last season with a .319 batting average, 15 homers and 45 RBIs. Other key returnees include Kenny Wise, Brennan Gowens, Jake Johnson and Steve Detwiler. Trent Garrison is another hitter to watch and newcomer Clay Cederquist is expected to have an instant impact. The Bulldogs are in great shape if the offense improves.

4. Starting rotation needs to meet expectations -- Fresno State won the national title two seasons ago with Justin Miller, Justin Wilson and Clayton Allison -- all weekend starters -- leading the charge. Now it hopes to return to Omaha with the return of a very talented weekend rotation. The Bulldogs welcome back Josh Poytress, Matt Morse and Derek Benny. Poytress started eight games last season and had a 4.25 ERA in 42 1/3 innings. Morse, meanwhile, had a 4.72 ERA in 80 innings. He struck out 50 and walked 26 and teams hit him at a .315 clip. Benny started 12 games and had a 5.09 ERA in 86 2/3 innings. He struck out 58 and walked 22 and teams hit him at a .295 clip. There's no reason this weekend rotation shouldn't be one of the West Coast's best.

5. Bullpen could use some improvement -- The Bulldogs certainly have some talent in this area, but there's no question some relievers need to make strides. Key relievers Fresno welcomes back includes Taylor Garrison, Zac Bischoff, Tom Harlan, Gene Escat and Sean Bonesteele. Garrison made 11 appearances last season and had a 4.87 ERA, Bischoff made 25 appearances and had a 5.62 ERA, Harlan had a 7.02 ERA, Escat had a 7.33 ERA and Bonesteele had a 11.10 ERA. This unit has much experience, but they need to improve from a production standpoint. It would take much pressure off the starters.