Hackettstown, N.J. (3/22/2024) - Gwynedd Mercy University (6-8, 1-0) for the first time in 2024 took on Atlantic East Conference (AEC) foe Centenary University (N.J.) (6-10, 0-1). On the rubber for Gwynedd Mercy was ace senior pitcher Frank Ebling (Cherry Hill, N.J.) who came into the contest with a sub-1.00 earned run average (ERA). In the contest, Ebling continued to prove to the Griffin faithful that he was a true number-one starter. For just the second time in his career, Ebling threw a complete game (nine innings pitched) in the win (5-0). Ebling's final start line was allowing one earned run on eight hits and striking out five. With this performance, the Griffins were able to start conference play undefeated, defeating the Cyclones 3-1.   

Griffin Highlights: 

• Pitchers for both teams were dealing, that was until the top of the fifth occurred for the Red and Gold. Freshman infielder Daulton McDonald (Cinnaminson, N.J.) got the inning started with a single to center field. The next batter, sophomore outfielder Chris Nodeland (Hamilton, N.J.) also hit a single allowing McDonald 180 feet from the Griffins to take a 1-0 lead. A wild pitch put both runners into scoring positions.  
• With runners on second and third, junior outfielder Cooper Root (Runnemede, N.J.) demolished the ball to center field bringing home Nodeland and Root and allowing Root to reach third for his first triple of the season. Sophomore outfielder Sam Junker (Ambler, Pa.) would put the winning touches on the game with a run-batted-in (RBI) single to left field and give the Griffins the eventual 3-1 victory.  

Gwynedd Mercy University continues its AEC schedule on Sunday, March 23, when they host Centenary University (N.J.) for a doubleheader contest. First pitch is scheduled for Noon (12:00 p.m.).