Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/21/2026) –  Gwynedd Mercy University (2-0) opened the 2026 season in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader against Notre Dame of Maryland University (0-2) at Frank O. Genuardi Legends Field with wins of 5–2 in the opener and 15–3 (7) in game two. The Griffins showcased timely hitting, disciplined pitching, and relentless pressure on the base paths, improving to 2–0 on the young season. In game one, junior pitcher Michael Inglisa (Delran, N.J.) went a strong six innings, allowing two earned runs, three walks, while striking out seven in the win (1-0). Game two was followed up by sophomore pitcher Connor Hafto (Washington Township, N.J.) tossing 5.1 innings tying a career-high six strikeouts and only allowing one run in the victory (1-0). 

Griffin Highlights: 

Game One: 

• After starting down 2-0, the Griffins answered right back in the bottom of the first with a single from sophomore infielder Brady Belfus (Deptford, N.J.) to score freshman outfielder Charlie Neal (Mickleton, N.J.) (2-1).  
• Gwynedd Mercy evened the score in the bottom of the second with a groundout from junior infielder Jake Vitale (Laurel Springs, N.J.), allowing sophomore infielder Deven Ross (Lansdale, Pa.) to score (2-2).  
• The final three runs of the contest would be scored in the bottom of the seventh, as junior outfielder Noah Waldron (Collingswood, N.J.), Neal, and senior infielder Jimmy DeCarlo (Ridley Park, Pa.) all knocked in runs leading to the 5-2 season opener victory. 
• Sophomore pitcher Dylan Ganey (Langhorne, Pa.) was brilliant in relief for Inglisa, pitching three innings, allowing no runs, and striking out one, earning his first career save.  

Game Two: 

• Similar to game one, the Red and Gold found themselves down in the first inning 3-0. In the second inning, freshman infielder Felix Melendez (Philadelphia, Pa.) in his first career collegiate at-bat, hit a missile up the middle, bringing home Belfus and Neal (3-2). Two batters later, senior outfielder Chris Nodeland (Hamilton, N.J.) hit a sacrifice fly to bring the score to 3-3. The next batter, Ross, put the bat on the ball, forcing the Gators to make a play; an error from the third baseman gave the Griffins their first lead in game two, scoring two (5-3). Defensive woes and a wild pitch from Notre Dame allowed two more runs to cross home plate, and Gwynedd Mercy took a commanding 7-3 lead.  
• In the fourth, DeCarlo continued where he left off last season and roped a ball down the left field line, scoring Ross (8-3). Neal hit a sacrifice fly ball to left field, bringing home DeCarlo (9-3) 
• More untimely errors from the Gators in the 5th allowed the Griffins to bring home three more runs (12-3).  
• In the bottom of the sixth, senior Jon Cimino (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.), in the first at-bat of his senior season, singled to left field, scoring sophomore catcher Peter Burnley (Sicklerville, N.J.) (13-3). DeCarlo capped off a three-run-batted-in game with another sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Nodeland (14-3). A good eye from junior outfielder Karl Wissman (Cinnaminson, N.J.) drew a walk and brought home the final run for Gwynedd Mercy in a 15-3 win.  
• Senior pitcher Ryan Kasper (Levittown, Pa.) pitched in relief for Hafto, going 1.2 innings, only giving up two hits, and striking out two.  

Gwynedd Mercy University hits the road for the first time in the 2026 season when the team takes on Rutgers-Camden on Tuesday, February 24, with a 3:30 p.m. first pitch