A Triumph in Poplarville
Sunday night brought a wave of celebration to Poplarville as Pearl River Community College welcomed home its 2026 NJCAA Division II National Champion Wildcat baseball team, fresh off a dramatic extra‑inning victory that crowned them national champions for the second time in five years.
The Extra‑Inning Thriller
The Wildcats edged South Mountain 4‑3 in a tense extra‑inning showdown, with Ethan Garner delivering the decisive RBI single that sealed the win and sent the crowd into rapture.
For Garner, the moment was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, a culmination of years spent perfecting his swing under the bright lights of the tournament.
What made the triumph even more remarkable was the historic context: Pearl River became the first school in NJCAA Division II history to capture both the baseball and softball national titles in the same season, underscoring a remarkable dual‑sport dominance.
Head coach Michael Avalon, reflecting on the achievement, emphasized that the championship was the product of a collective effort that extended far beyond the nine innings, crediting every player, coach, and supporter for the journey.
Nico Williams, another key contributor, spoke of the team’s relentless spirit, saying they never gave up and fought hard to reach the championship moment that defined their season.
Drew Harrison and Jackson Estes earned spots on the World Series All‑Tournament Team, while Jackson Beddoe was named Most Valuable Player after batting .533 with six RBIs and five runs scored, a performance that capped the Wildcats’ unforgettable run.
The celebration in Poplarville is more than a trophy; it is a testament to community pride, perseverance, and the promise that the Wildcats will continue to chase excellence in the seasons ahead.