HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — For the first time in program history, Centenary University Baseball will host the Atlantic East Conference Playoffs, welcoming the league's top four teams to the Diamond of Dreams for a three-day battle beginning this Thursday.
The top-seeded Cyclones open their postseason run at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning against No. 4 seed Marywood University, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. The afternoon matchup will feature No. 2 seed Marymount University squaring off against No. 3 seed Immaculata University at 2:00 p.m.
Friday's slate begins at 9:00 a.m. with an elimination game between the two opening-round losers. The second game of the day will pit Thursday's winners against each other in the winner's bracket, followed by a pivotal third game featuring the winner of the elimination game and the loser of the winner's bracket contest. The championship round is set for Saturday, with a decisive "if necessary" game to follow should a second matchup be required.
Centenary enters the weekend riding a wave of momentum, coming off back-to-back 15-hit performances that have showcased one of the most dangerous lineups in the conference. Leading the charge is center fielder Joe Frei, who has been nothing short of exceptional at the plate. Frei boasts a staggering .565 on-base percentage, collecting 58 hits while striking out just five times in 130 at-bats, an elite display of discipline.
He is joined by standout third baseman
Dominick Chiego, who has anchored the heart of the order with a .462 batting average, 53 hits, 17 doubles, and a home run. The Cyclones' offensive depth doesn't stop there, with key contributions from
Myles Castillo, Centenary Athletics Rookie of the Year
Nick Friscia, and the dynamic
Cole Schulberg, all of whom have played vital roles in the team's success.
On the mound, Centenary is equally formidable. The rotation is headlined by dependable arms in
Louie Vassallo and
Anthony Spungin, while freshman
Brannon McBride has emerged as a promising presence. Out of the bullpen,
Carter Sari provides another weapon, giving the Cyclones a well-rounded pitching staff capable of navigating the pressures of postseason play.
Under the leadership of head coach
Andrew Romanella, the Cyclones have put together a historic season, capturing their first-ever Atlantic East regular season championship. Now, with home-field advantage and a confident, in-form roster, Centenary looks to add a tournament title to its growing list of accomplishments.
With championship aspirations and a red-hot lineup, all eyes will be on Hackettstown this weekend as the Cyclones aim to turn a historic season into a championship finish.
