A Historic Run for the Purple Raiders
Mount Union’s baseball and softball teams have both secured at-large bids to the NCAA Division III Tournament, even after falling short in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament. The announcements, made on Sunday, highlight the program’s resilience and its continued presence on the national stage.
The softball squad will serve as host for a four‑team regional at 23rd Street Field, opening its tournament run on May 14 against Lebanon Valley. This marks the fourth straight season the Purple Raiders have qualified for the NCAA Tournament, underscoring a sustained level of excellence.
In baseball, the Raiders will travel to Salisbury, Maryland, where they are slated to meet Hobart in the first round on May 15. The regional assignment reflects the team’s strong finish to the season and provides a fresh opportunity to advance deeper into the championship bracket.
Head coach Paul Hesse was recognized as the Don Schaly OAC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year, sharing the honor with Jake Krupar of Muskingum. Both coaches are alumni of Central Catholic High School, a connection that adds a personal narrative to the conference’s accolades.
The celebration extends beyond the coaching staff, as eight Mount Union players earned All‑OAC honors this season. Their contributions have been pivotal in guiding the team through a competitive schedule and securing the at‑large selections.
With the tournament brackets now set, both the baseball and softball teams are poised to write new chapters in the program’s history. Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how the Purple Raiders will perform on the national stage, carrying forward a legacy of perseverance and success.