Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (5/1/2026) – Gwynedd Mercy University (20-17, 8-8 AEC) leaned on a complete-game performance from sophomore pitcher
Connor Hafto (Washington Township, N.J.) to secure a 5-2 Atlantic East Conference (AEC) over Saint Elizabeth University (6-30, 1-15 AEC) for the final home game of the regular season at Frank O. Genuardi Legends Field. Hafto showed up for all nine innings by allowing just two runs on nine hits to earn his fifth win of the 2026 season. After falling behind, 2-1 through two innings a single from junior shortstop
Jake Vitale (Laurel Springs, N.J.) in the bottom of the third brought freshman catcher
Jacob Ruddell (Warrington, Pa.) home and a fielding error on the same play allowed senior right fielder
Jon Cimino (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) to come home to put the Red and Gold up 3-2 to start the lead they would never lose.
Griffin Highlights
- Insurance came in the sixth and seventh innings when Ruddell drove in junior center fielder Noah Waldron (Collingswood, N.J.) with a single to right field and junior first basemen Karl Wissmann (Cinnaminson, N.J.) got an RBI with a similar single to bring senior designated hitter Jimmy DeCarlo (Ridley Park, Pa.) in for the 5-2 final.
- DeCarlo and Ruddell contributed multiple hits through the contest as DeCarlo went 3-for-4 and Ruddell added two singles while both added a run and an RBI. Ruddell finished the day with a stolen base and getting hit by a pitch.
- Waldron, Wissmann, and Vitale all added a hit each to contribute to the team's balanced attack. Wissmann and Vitale earned RBIs with their respective hits.
- Hafto quickly settled in on the mound and earned six strikeouts and did not issue a single walk through the nine innings and 108 pitches.
Gwynedd Mercy University continues their play against Saint Elizabeth University on Saturday May 2, for an away weekend double header with the first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
