Greyhounds Claim Region 16 Championship, Sweep Major Postseason Honors
MACC claimed the NJCAA Division II Region 16 title with a pair of postseason victories, improving to 36-17 on the season and advancing to the Central District Tournament in Normal, Illinois.
The Greyhounds opened tournament play with a dominant 11-3 win over tournament host East Central College. MACC's offense erupted early and never let up, building an eight-run lead to end the game after seven innings via the run rule.
The championship game brought much more drama, as the Greyhounds battled North Central Missouri College for the Region 16 crown. In a tightly contested matchup, MACC held on for a thrilling 4-3 victory to secure the championship trophy.
Jackson Engel and Ryker Zimmerman powered the Greyhounds offensively in the title game, each recording two hits, two RBIs, and a home run in the championship win.
Head Coach Chris Fletcher said the postseason success reflects the resilience and togetherness the team has shown all year long.
"This group has continued to compete for each other all season," Fletcher said. "They've handled adversity, stayed together, and played with confidence when the moment gets big. I'm really proud of how they responded this week."
The championship adds another milestone to a memorable season for the Greyhounds, who spent four weeks ranked in the NJCAA Division II Top 25 and earned the No. 1 seed entering the Region 16 Tournament.
Following the tournament, the Greyhounds were heavily represented in the Region 16 postseason honors.
AJ Lucas earned Region 16 Player of the Year honors continues leading MACC offensively .427 batting average, 71 hits, and 19 home runs. Freshman standout Tate Alexander was named Region 16 Pitcher of the Year after earning his 11th win of the season during postseason play, while Fletcher was recognized as Region 16 Coach of the Year.
Alexander and Jacob Janisko were both named First Team All-Region pitchers. Jake Stedman earned First Team All-Region honors in the infield, while Lucas was selected to the First Team All-Region outfield.
The Greyhounds also placed several players on the Second Team All-Region squad, including infielders Owen Larrigan, Grant Sumrall, and Jackson Engel.
Defensively, MACC continued to shine as Owen Larrigan was named Region 16 Defensive Player of the Year while also earning All-Defensive Team honors in the infield alongside Grant Sumrall. Lucas and Ryker Zimmerman were selected to the All-Defensive Team outfield.
Now, the Greyhounds turn their attention to the next stage of postseason play.
MACC heads to The Corn Crib in Normal, Illinois as the No. 2 seed in the Central District Tournament. The Greyhounds will open district play at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14 against Parkland College.
With a regional championship secured and momentum continuing to build, the Greyhounds now set their sights on extending their postseason run even further.
Photo courtesy of Blair Harvey