Immaculata knocks off Cabrini to win Atlantic East title

Immaculata won the Atlantic East Conference tourney on Saturday. | PHOTO: Immaculata Athletics

Immaculata showcased their dominance once again, securing their third consecutive Atlantic East Conference Championship with a hard-fought 8-6 victory over Cabrini on Saturday afternoon at Kevin Anderson Field, hosted at Bridgeforth Stadium in Winchester, Va. 

 

Senior shortstop Steven Theisen delivered a standout performance, going 4-for-5 at the plate with three crucial RBIs, propelling the Mighty Macs to victory. Matthew Long emerged as a pivotal figure on the mound, earning the win in relief with an impressive 4 1/3 scoreless innings pitched. 

 

With this resounding triumph, the Mighty Macs clinched the coveted automatic berth to the NCAA tournament, further solidifying their status as a force at the D-III level. 

 

Anticipation mounts as the Macs eagerly await the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament Selection airing on Monday, May 13th at 12:00 p.m., where their postseason destination will be revealed. 

 

Contributions from key players underscored Immaculata's collective strength on the field. Nick Turnage's 3-for-4 performance, coupled with a run scored and an RBI, demonstrated his prowess at the plate. Similarly, Josh Crowding's impressive 3-for-4 showing, accompanied by three runs scored, proved instrumental in securing victory for the Mighty Macs. 

 

Noteworthy was Joey Wright's stellar tournament performance, boasting an impressive 8-for-14 batting average (.571) with nine runs scored, three home runs, and 10 RBIs, highlighting his crucial role in Immaculata's championship journey.

 

In a pivotal moment of the game, with the score tied at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Immaculata seized control as Steven Theisen delivered his third RBI single of the game, driving in Crowding and catapulting the Mighty Macs to a decisive 7-6 lead.  

 

Despite the loss, Cabrini's Zack Brook showcased a formidable presence, finishing 4-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, 

 

The contest marked a poignant conclusion for the Cavs as the school prepares to close its doors, adding an unfortunate element to the proceedings. 

 

Immaculata's victory not only secures their place in the annals of Atlantic East Conference history but also sets the stage for a promising postseason campaign as they vie for further glory on the national stage.