Jefferson to take on on Franklin Pierce in NCAA Division II Regional

Josh Lopez has hit 20 homers this season. | PHOTO: Jefferson Athletics

Jefferson will make its first appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament since 1990 on Thursday morning when the team takes the field to face Franklin Pierce. The regional host, Southern New Hampshire, holds the top seed. 

 

The Rams have enjoyed one of their best seasons in program history, excelling in every category in the CACC's top six and ranking in the top 15 in eight categories. Notably, the Rams sit at eighth in Division II in scoring with an impressive 9.5 average. 

 

Their at-large bid was well-earned, following their appearance in the CACC Championship title game and consistent rankings in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) throughout the season, particularly in the second half. 

 

The winner of Thursday's contest between the Rams and Ravens will advance to play on Friday, while the loser will face Southern New Hampshire in an elimination contest on Thursday afternoon. 

 

A big part of Jefferson's success this season stems from seniors Josh Lopez and Chris McLean who were named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-East Region Team earlier this week. Lopez was named to the All-East Region First Team as a catcher, while McLean earned a spot on the All-East Region Second Team as a first baseman.

 

Lopez has earned his first NCBWA All-Region award, making history as the first Ram to be named All-East Region First Team catcher. He holds the school record for home runs in a season with 20, placing him ninth nationally and leading Division II with 0.47 home runs per game. Lopez boasts a .996 fielding percentage, with 214 putouts, 40 assists, and only one error. The Connecticut native has a .349 batting average, a .456 on-base percentage, and a .779 slugging percentage this season. 

 

McLean has also secured his first NCBWA All-Region Team nod, being named to the Second Team as a first baseman. He maintains a .996 fielding percentage with 273 putouts, nine assists, and just one error. The Hatfield native has a .354 batting average, starting in all 47 games this season with 161 at-bats. McLean recorded 54 runs, 57 hits, 10 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, and 37 RBIs, achieving a .609 slugging percentage and a .455 on-base percentage.