Category: MACU

Baseball All-Academic Team Announced

The New South Athletic Conference proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes with the announcement of the 2026 Baseball All-Academic Team.

“This year’s honorees exemplify the conference’s commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom,” said commissioner Mike Davis. “Each student-athlete recognized has demonstrated a high level of academic success while competing at a high level in intercollegiate baseball, balancing the demands of athletics with a strong dedication to their studies.

The conference commends these individuals for their discipline, work ethic, and commitment to representing their institutions with integrity. Their accomplishments reflect the core values of the NSAC and serve as a model for future student-athletes.”

Each team member carries a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Congratulations to all members of the 2026 NSAC Baseball All-Academic Team on this well-earned recognition.

2026 NSAC Baseball All-Academic Team

THE APPRENTICE SCHOOL

  • Jaeden Anderson
  • Justin Bradshaw
  • Sean Condon
  • Baker Green
  • Aiden Henry
  • Isaac McCallister
  • Chase Mytrysak
  • Grant Stratton
  • Landon Turner
  • Jett Winslow

ATLANTIS UNIVERSITY

  • Travis Knowles
  • Walter Mamarella
  • Daniel Zayas
  • Matthew Sobrino
  • Romel Guerrero

LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

  • Clay Allen
  • Trevor Medlin
  • Jamarkus Jefferson
  • Carlos Brown
  • Brandon Williams
  • Trey Hughes

MID-ATLANTIC CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

  • AJ Bailey
  • Titus Bleckley
  • RJ Cabrera
  • Aidan Guise
  • Dakota Inman
  • Landen Miller
  • Evan Price
  • Markell Simmons
  • Tristan Stinson

MILLENNIA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

  • Erick Garcia
  • Dylan Diaz
  • Sebastian Gomez
  • Macintyre Askins
  • Isaac Martinez
  • Aden Edwards
  • Nick Sparafora
  • Victor Velasquez
  • Alejandro Contreras
  • Pablo Contreras
  • Chris Sanchez

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

  • Alexander Dayle
  • Luka Gilliam
  • Charles Jones
  • Gene Ligon
  • Joshua Mahan
  • Jerry Mitchell
  • DeCarlos Nora
  • Ralph Riviere
  • Nyle Shewmake
  • Jaquan Tucker
  • Julis Turner
  • Jaron Ward
  • Samuel Young
  • Antonio Boone

VSU Wins 3 of 4 from MACU

ETTRICK, Va. – Virginia State picked up a win in game one then swept Saturday’s doubleheader to claim an NSAC series win over Mid-Atlantic Christian.

In the opener, VSU rallied late to secure a 3-2 victory. After falling behind 1-0 in the fourth inning, the Trojans broke through in the sixth with a three-run frame. Johnathan Smith delivered an RBI single to tie the game before Jaquan Tucker lifted a sacrifice fly to give VSU the lead. Antonio Boone followed with an RBI single to extend the advantage to 3-1.

Mid-Atlantic Christian attempted a comeback in the seventh with a solo home run, but the Trojans held on for the one-run win. VSU’s offense capitalized on key opportunities in the sixth inning to provide the difference.

On the mound, Preston Branzelle tossed a complete game, allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out five to earn the win.

Game two proved to be a defensive battle, with Mid-Atlantic Christian edging VSU 1-0. The lone run of the game came in the sixth inning, capitalizing on a Trojan miscue to plate the eventual game-winner.

Virginia State threatened throughout the nightcap but was unable to convert, stranding runners in multiple innings. Norman Jackson and Hector Rivera paced the offense with strong performances at the plate.

Gavin Stevens delivered a strong outing despite taking the loss, pitching a complete game while allowing just one unearned run and striking out eight.

In Saturday’s first game, A walk-off left Mid Atlantic Christian Univers on the wrong end of a 6-5 defeat to Virginia State University on Saturday at Virginia State University. The game was tied at five in the bottom of the twelfth when an error scored one run.

Virginia State University got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Luka Gilliam doubled to left field, AJ Boone hit a sacrifice fly, and Hector Rivera singled to center field, each scoring one run.

Mid Atlantic Christian Univers tied the game in the top of the fourth thanks to a double by Dakota Inman, a single by RJ Cabrera, and a single by Jack Wecht.

A single by Luka Gilliam gave Virginia State University the lead, 4-3, in the bottom of the fourth.

In the top of the seventh inning, Mid Atlantic Christian Univers went back into the lead after Landen Miller doubled to left field, and Brian Sanchez singled to center field, each scoring one run.

Charles Jones singled down the right field line, which helped Virginia State University tie the game at five in the bottom of the seventh.

Charles Jones earned the win for Virginia State University.

In Saturday’s first game, the teams traded leads before VSU prevailed in extra innings. The Trojans jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning behind a double by Luka Gilliam, a sacrifice fly by Boone and an RBI single from Hector Rivera.

MACU responded with three runs in the fourth to tie the game, then regained the lead in the seventh on RBI hits from Landen Miller and Brian Sanchez. Virginia State answered in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Charles Jones to even the score at 5.

The game remained tied until the 12th, when Virginia State scored the winning run on an error. Jones earned the victory

In the nightcap, Virginia State overcame an early deficit to secure the win. Mid-Atlantic took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a Trojan error and a hit by pitch to Aidan Guise that forced in a run. State answered in the bottom half, tying the game at 2-2 with two bases-loaded hit batters.

The Trojans moved ahead in the second on RBI singles from AJ Boone and Jaquan Tucker, then added another run in the third after a Mustang error to build a 5-3 lead. Virginia State held on late to complete the 7-5 victory.

The series pulled the Trojans within one game of the fourth-place Mustangs in the NSAC standings.

Friday games story courtesy Virginia State Athletics; image courtesy Christ Waugaman @waugtography

MACU Bats Lead Way over Bucks County

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – The Mid-Atlantic Christian offense was on display Saturday as the Mustangs took a pair from visiting Bucks County Community College.

Titus Bleckley collected four hits in five at bats in the 17-12 game one win. Bleckley doubled in the first inning, singled in the second inning, singled in the sixth inning, and singled in the third inning.

Bucks got on the board in the top of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead, but MACU tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a single by Nolan Colwell, a ground out by Landen Miller, and a single by Adam Bailey.

The Centurions jumped back into the lead in the top of the second inning with three runs. The Mustangs then flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the third, scoring five runs on four hits to take the lead, 9-6. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Jayhlen Brown that drove in two.

BCCC retook the lead 12-11, but MACU took control in their half of the sixth, scoring six runs on four hits to take the lead for good, 17-12. Brian Sanchez singled on a full count to drive in two.

Colin Langley allowing one hit and no runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out seven and walking none.

In game two of the doubleheader, Landen Miller drove in four runs on two hits to lead MACU to a 15-2 victory. Miller doubled in the second and third innings, scoring two runs each time.

Mid-Atlantic jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Sanchez tripled, scoring three runs, and Julius Burke singled, scoring one run.

A double by Miller, a ground out by Bailey, and an error helped the Mustangs extend their early lead in the second, stretch it further with seven runs on five hits in the bottom of the third inning. RJ Cabrera singled, scoring two runs, Miller doubled, scoring two runs, Bailey doubled, scoring two runs, and Sanchez hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.

Andrew Mullis led things off on the mound for MACU. The hurler allowed two hits and two runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out three and walking seven. 

Story copyright © 2026 GameChanger, Inc. All rights reserved. Image courtesy MACU Athletics

MACU Wins Two Walk Offs vs Virginia State

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Brian Sanchez doubled in two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead Mid-Atlantic Christian to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Virginia State Wednesday afternoon.

Colin Langley led things off on the bump for the Mustangs, allowing just four hits and one run over seven innings, striking out nine and walking none.

Sanchez, the number seven hitter for MACU, led the way with his game-winning double. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-3 on the day. RJ Cabrera, Dakota Inman, Brian Sanchez, and Julius Burke each collected a hit. Landen Miller had the most plays in the field with nine.

The pitching was strong on both sides. MACU pitchers struck out nine while VSU sat down 10.

Norman Jackson set the tone at the top of the lineup for the Trojans with two hits in three at bats. Sam Young went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with one RBI.

The second game had similar heartache for the visitors as MACU’s Burke broke open a scoreless tie in the ninth with a walk off single.

Cutter Williams started things off strong for the Herd, giving up just two hits over 7.2 innings, striking out seven and walking three. Markell Simmons got the win with one inning pitched.

Gavin Stevens opened the game for Virginia State and gave up seven hits and one run (zero earned) over eight and one-third innings, striking out seven and walking none. The Trojans turned two double plays in the losing effort.

Photo by Capture @Moments on Unsplash

Mustangs Split Series at BJU

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Mid-Atlantic Christian took one win and left a couple on the table over the weekend in an early-season baseball series with Bob Jones University.

In Friday’s series opener, MACU fell behind early then fought back to tie the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning before BJU pulled away for a 7-5 victory.

Through the first three innings of Saturday’s twin-bill matinee, neither team could get the bats rolling. In the top fourth inning, the Mustangs got on the board to take the 1-0 lead. That was all they needed as senior Colin Langley gave up only two hits and two walks to claim the shutout win.

In the series finale, the Bruins wasted no time setting the tone. In the bottom of the first, Bob Jones scored six runs on five hits to seize early momentum. A two-RBI double from Cayden Kennedy highlighted the inning, followed by a two-run double by Derek Farley and RBI knocks from Elijah Medrano and Mannix Crawford to build a 6-0 lead.

In the third, both teams added a run to the scoreboard. For the Bruins, David Henry scored on an error to push the advantage to 7-1.

The fifth inning proved decisive. After the Mustangs rallied for four runs in the top half to cut the deficit to 7-5, the Bruins exploded for 11 runs in the bottom of the inning. The Bruins stretched the lead to 18-5.

In the top of the seventh inning, Mid-Atlantic looked to mount a late comeback, adding seven more runs to their total. However, the Bruins’ bullpen ultimately shut the door to secure the 18-13.

Story and image courtesy BJU Athletics

Championship Day is Upon Us!

WILSON, N.C. – John Melvin (LA) got a walk-off double to defeat Apprentice 11-10 Friday and earn its way into Saturday’s NSAC Baseball Championship game.

The top-seeded Millers gave up seven runs in the second inning and appeared doomed to enter the losers bracket but methodically clawed its way back into the game, sealing it in the seventh.

Lighthouse Christian, John Melvin (FL) and Mid-Atlantic Christian were eliminated on Friday. Virginia State and Apprentice will meet Saturday morning at 10:30 Eastern for the chance to advance to the title game against JMU.

Livestream for all games is available at wilsontobs.com.

Day One in the Books at NSAC Championship

WILSON, N.C. – The first day of action at Fleming Stadium was marked by solid play and several big innings.

GAME ONE: #3 Apprentice 8, #6 Lighthouse Christian 6

GAME TWO: #5 Virginia State 11, #4 John Melvin (FL) 6

GAME THREE: #3 Apprentice 7, #2 Mid-Atlantic Christian 5

GAME FOUR: #1 John Melvin (LA) 12, #5 Virginia State 5

Play resumes Friday morning at 9:30 am Eastern time at Fleming Stadium in Wilson. All six teams are still in contention in the double-elimination tournament. You can watch each game via livestream at wilsontobs.com.

Graphic by WildCard Entertainment

Jones, Leblanc, Snell Lead 2025 All-Conference Selections

New South Athletic Conference baseball coaches have selected Gavin Leblanc (JMU-LA) as the 2025 Pitcher of the Year and Tobin Jones (JMCC-FL) and Travis Snell (MACU) as Co-Players of the Year.

Leblanc, a senior lefty, made 11 starts for the Millers with a 5-2 Record, threw for 63.1 Innings, giving up only 46 hits and 27 walks, with 85 strikeouts for a 2.84 ERA and .203 BAA.

Jones and Snell tied in the voting for Offensive POY.

Jones, a 6’3″ sophomore outfielder, had a batting average of .375 in 72 ABs, a slugging percentage of .819 for an OPS of 1.284, with 27 hits, 9 homers, and 24 RBIs.

Senior outfielder Snell also put up impressive numbers for the Mustangs, batting .447 with 129 PA’s, a slugging percentage .660, with 5 HRs and 28 RBIs.

“Congratulations to our players of the year as well as all of the outstanding student-athletes that make up the 2025 NSAC All-Conference Team,” said commissioner Mike Davis. “They have made this one of the most exciting campaigns yet in NSAC baseball, with more fireworks to come in Wilson.”

2025 All-Conference First Team

  • Zander Mizelle, P, Apprentice
  • Charley Higginbotham, P, Apprentice
  • Kevin Rodriguez, P, Atlantis
  • Dakota Jacobsen, P, MACU
  • Jeremiah Cabrera, P, MACU
  • Tobin Jones, OF, JMCC (FL)
  • Trevor Durr, C, JMU
  • Jaden Guthrie, 2B, Virginia State
  • Nate Yeary, OF, Apprentice
  • L. Valentin, Lighthouse
  • Jeremy Harmon, C, Apprentice
  • Travis Snell, OF, MACU
  • Thomas Ealey, OF, Virginia State
  • Braeden Morgan, 2B, JMU (LA)
  • Eduardo Perez, C, Atlantis
  • Justin Suarez, 2B, Atlantis
  • Landen Miller, C/DH, MACU
  • Gavin Leblanc, P, JMU (LA)

All-Conference Second Team

  • Dalon Arrington, P, MACU
  • Garrett Walker, P, JMU (LA)
  • Caleb Ougel, P, JMU (LA)
  • Cole Crocker, P, JMCC (FL)
  • Logan Fleming, P, JMCC (FL)
  • Eduardo Roque, P, Atlantis
  • Jesus Gonzalez, P, Atlantis
  • Kevin Rodriguez, P, Atlantis
  • G. Deroche, Lighthouse
  • H. Molina, Lighthouse
  • L. Villasana, Lighthouse
  • H. Ojeda, Lighthouse
  • Noah Watkins, OF, JMU (LA)
  • Sammy Maddox, 1B, JMU (LA)
  • Connor Pleasant, SS, JMU (LA)
  • Nick Redman, P, Apprentice
  • Josiah Collado, C/OF, MACU
  • Rafael (RJ) Cabrera, IF, MACU
  • Victor Johnson, OF, Virginia State
  • Jacquan Tucker, 1B, Virginia State
  • TJ McGowan, 3B, Virginia State
  • Marcos Medina, INF, Atlantis
  • Nathaniel Gomez, CF, Atlantis
  • Gianni Rodriguez 3B/DH, Atlantis
  • Hunter Johnson, IF, Apprentice
  • Camden Richardson, P, Apprentice
  • Jett Winslow, IF, Apprentice

Image courtesy Carla Walker/SportsPicsByCarla; WildCard Entertainment

Millers Top Seed for NSAC Championship

WILSON, N.C. – With the conclusion of conference play on Thursday, John Melvin University (LA) clinched the number one seed for next week’s New South Athletic Conference baseball tournament.

The NSAC coaches elected to use a weighted formula for this year’s seeding due to unbalanced schedules, granting a 60 percent weight to NSAC games and 40 percent to non-conference contests, but the calculated result aligned with the conference standings anyway. With only a handful of non-conference games still to be played, no team can overtake another.

Tournament play gets underway Thursday, May 1 at Fleming Stadium in Wilson, North Carolina.

SEEDINGS:

  1. John Melvin (LA)
  2. Mid-Atlantic Christian
  3. Apprentice
  4. John Melvin (FL)
  5. Virginia State
  6. Lighthouse Christian

MACU Wins Twin Bill to Sweep Series at VSU

ETTRICK, Va. – Mid-Atlantic Christian took both ends of Saturday’s doubleheader to sweep the NSAC series with Virginia State 5-4 in game one and 5-3 in game two.

GAME 1: MACU 5, VSU 4

Preston Branzelle kept the Mustangs off the board in the top of the first. In the bottom half Thomas Ealey hit a one out single then stole second. TJ McGowan and Victor Johnson hit back-to-back singles to drive in the Trojans first run. Norman Jackson then hit a sac fly to bring in McGowan.

MACU scored three in the second. VSU answered in the third after loading the bases with zero outs. Hector Rivera hit a sac fly to score McGowan.

The Mustangs added two more runs in the fourth in the Trojans half Thomas Chandler started with a double then advanced to third. McGowan the hit a two out single to score Chandler.

In the bottom of the fifth Rivera and Erik Romero managed to get into scoring position with one out but were left stranded and that would be the last scoring chance for either team in game one.

GAME 2: MACU 5, VSU 4

Neither team in the first, with Charles Jones pitching a 1-2-3 inning.

In the second, a leadoff walk and a single put runners on the corners with no one out. Back-to-back flyballs allowed one run to score.

In the bottom half Johnson started off with a double then came around to score after the next two batters advanced him to third and home.

In the fourth MACU had back-to-back one-out walks, then a double down the right field line allowed both of those runs to score. The Mustangs added two more runs in the fifth.

The Trojans’ Caden Willis-Sagers walked to open the bottom half of the fifth, followed by a Marquis Smith single. Ealey then advanced both runners after bunting them over. Jaden Guthrie then hit a long single that hit off the top of the wall to score both runners, but that ended the scoring.

Mid-Atlantic Christian improves to 22-18 (10-6 NSAC) while VSU drops to 9-23 (5-10 NSAC).

Story courtesy Virginia State Athletics. Image courtesy Chris Waugaman/Waugtography