The University of Pacific baseball program celebrated a milestone this week as the Tigers earned their first-ever berth in the West Coast Conference Tournament, a feat that caps a remarkable turnaround for a team that entered the season with modest expectations.
A turnaround built on unity
Coach Reed Peters emphasized that teamwork and the leadership of the senior class were the cornerstones of the turnaround. His arrival brought a culture of winning and a new mindset that reshaped the program's daily approach.
Pacific closed the regular season with a 23‑28‑1 overall record and a 15‑13‑1 conference slate, sealing the tournament spot with an 11‑11 tie against San Diego and results elsewhere in the WCC.
Key moments and leadership
Senior infielder Jake Tandy highlighted the team's hard work and resilience, while shortstop Brendan O’Sullivan spoke of the squad's goal to "make history" and continue its upward trajectory. A pivotal meeting after a series of losses helped the team refocus, and Coach Peters introduced a demerit chart to hold players accountable on the field.
The Tigers have won 15 of their final 21 conference games, including five straight WCC series victories, and have posted a 20‑win season for the first time since 2019 under Peters' debut year.
Looking ahead
The Tigers will play the second‑lowest advancing seed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, with all WCC Tournament games streaming on ESPN+ and the championship game on ESPNU. The team hopes to extend its run and potentially reach an NCAA Regional, building on the momentum generated by a cohesive roster and a coaching staff that has instilled a winning culture.