Morristown, N.J. - (5/2/2026) – Gwynedd Mercy University (22-17, 10-8 AEC) played its final contests of the 2026 season, traveling to Saint Elizabeth University (6-32, 1-16 AEC) for an Atlantic East Conference (AEC) doubleheader. With some resilience, dominant starting pitching, and capitalizing on timely hitting, the Griffins swept the Eagles with a 6-3 extra-innings win in game one and a dominant 5-0 shutout win in game two.
Griffin Highlights:
Game One:
- Locked in a tight pitcher's duel early, the Griffins broke the scoreless tie in the sixth inning. Senior infielder Jimmy DeCarlo (Ridley Park, Pa.) reached on an error, allowing junior infielder Drew Haines (Hammonton, N.J.) to score and even the game at 1-1.
- Gwynedd Mercy gained momentum in the seventh when senior outfielder Chris Nodeland (Hamilton, N.J.) launched a two-run home run, giving the Griffins a 3-1 advantage. Nodeland led the offense with a standout performance, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs-batted-in (RBI).
- After Saint Elizabeth answered to tie up the game in the bottom half of the inning, the contest remained deadlocked into extra innings. The Griffins delivered in the clutch in the 10th, capitalizing on defensive miscues and patient at-bats. Sophomore infielder Deven Ross (Lansdale, Pa.) drove in the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded walk, followed by an RBI single from freshman outfielder Charlie Neal (Mickleton, N.J.) and a run-scoring fielder's choice from junior outfielder Noah Waldron (Mickleton, N.J.) to push the lead to 6-3.
- On the mound, freshman pitcher Landon Glovas (Nazareth, Pa.) gave Gwynedd Mercy a strong start, pitching 6.2 innings while allowing just two earned runs and keeping the Griffins within striking distance. The bullpen held firm late, with senior pitcher Ryan Kasper (Levittown, Pa.) bridging the middle innings before sophomore pitcher Chase Hamilton (Philadelphia, Pa.) shut the door, earning the win (3-2) with 1.2 scoreless innings in extra frames.
Game Two:
- The Griffins wasted no time getting on the board, plating a run in the opening inning before adding another in the fourth to build an early cushion. Gwynedd Mercy broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to take full control and create separation late.
- Junior infielder Jake Vitale (Laurel Springs, N.J.) paced the offense with a strong performance, going 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored, while junior outfielder Karl Wissman (Cinnaminson, N.J.) added two hits and an RBI. Freshman catcher Jacob Ruddell (Warrington, Pa.) also contributed an RBI, and senior outfielder Jon Cimino (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) chipped in with a double as part of an eight-hit team effort.
- At the top of the lineup, Nodeland reached base three times with two walks and a hit, helping set the tone offensively. Gwynedd Mercy also showed discipline at the plate, drawing five walks and working deep counts throughout the game.
- Sophomore pitcher Dylan Ganey (Langhorne, Pa.) delivered a dominant outing, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, and striking out five while keeping Saint Elizabeth off balance all afternoon.
- The bullpen closed things out cleanly, with senior pitcher Zachary Freas (Mickelton, N.J.) adding a scoreless inning of relief to complete the shutout. The Griffins' pitching staff combined to limit Saint Elizabeth to just three hits and one walk, showcasing complete control from start to finish.
Gwynedd Mercy University finished the regular season with a 22-17 record and 10-8 standing in the AEC.
