Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (4/25/2025) - Gwynedd Mercy University (13-21, 3-8 AEC) needing a series win against Immaculata University (9-24, 4-7 AEC) to keep their playoff hopes alive welcomed the Mighty Macs to Frank O. Genuardi Legends Field for an important doubleheader. Seniors Cooper Root (Runnemede, N.J.), Tim DiRusso (Royersford, Pa.), Justin Smith (Broomall, Pa.), Sam Junker (Ambler, Pa.), Ethan Ferraro (Gilbertsville, Pa.), and Ricky Templeton (West Deptford, N.J.) were all recognized for their outstanding collegiate careers and all their contributions to the team as Gwynedd Mercy celebrated Senior Day. Both games one and two had a playoff feel throughout the contest. Still, in the end, it was the Red and Gold who were able to celebrate walk-off victories from Root in a 2-1 game one victory and sophomore infielder Ryan Horner (Cinnaminson, N.J.) in a 9-8 conclusion.  

Griffin Highlights:  

Game One: 

•  Looking for some much-needed offense, Root singled to right field in the bottom of the fifth to score sophomore infielder Drew Haines (Hammonton, N.J.) and even the score at one apiece. 
• With the score knotted at one going into the bottom of the ninth, Root played hero ball with a walk-off run-batted-in (RBI) single through the right side of the diamond, giving the Griffins a 2-1 game one victory. 
• Sophomore pitcher Michael Inglisa (Delran, N.J.) was sensational in his start. For the first time in his collegiate career pitched a complete game (seven innings), allowing just three hits, one run, three strikeouts, and walking three in the victory (3-4). 

Game Two:  

• Down 1-0 in the first inning, the Griffins answered right back with a two-RBI single from junior infielder Jimmy DeCarlo (Ridley Park, Pa.) (2-1). 
• Gwynedd Mercy continued to apply the pressure on offense in the next inning with an RBI single from Junker extending the Griffins' lead to 3-1. 
• RBI's from Root, Horner, and Junker in the fourth inning once again gave the Red and Gold the lead with a 6-5 advantage. 
• A fielding error in the sixth inning from the Mighty Macs' shortstop allowed the Griffins to even the score 7-7. 
• Down to their final six outs going into the bottom of the eighth inning, a fantastic at-bat from junior infielder A.J. Johnson (Lavallette, N.J.) recorded a sacrifice fly to centerfield (8-8). 
• Horner capped off the festive day with another walk-off win, beating out the throw from the shortstop and allowing junior outfielder Jon Cimino (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) to score and secure a 9-8 walk-off victory. 
• Freshman Pitcher Chase Hamilton (Philadelphia, Pa.) earned the victory on the mound for Gwynedd Mercy, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing only four hits and a walk (2-0).                

Gwynedd Mercy University is looking for the series sweep on Monday, April 28, when the team travels to Immaculata University for a 3:00 p.m. first pitch.