A Historic Run
The Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy baseball team etched its name into Ohio high school sports history by advancing to the Division III state semifinals for the first time. The Crusaders finished the season with a 23‑9 record, a milestone that capped a remarkable campaign.
In the championship clash against Columbus Bishop Watterson, the team fell 5‑1, but not without moments of brilliance. Alex Mammone, a junior, threw four solid innings in relief, limiting the opposition to a single run, and later drove in the team's only tally with an RBI single in the second inning.
Game Details
Watterson's starter Ben Burleson delivered a complete game, scattering six hits without allowing an earned run. CVCA managed six hits overall but could not string together timely hits, leaving the 5‑1 deficit insurmountable.
Coach Jason Herblet praised the effort, highlighting the talent of the junior class and the culture built by the senior leaders. He expressed confidence that the team would build on this experience as it moves into the next season, including the upcoming football campaign where Mammone aims to compete for the starting quarterback role.
Looking Ahead
Herblet emphasized that the strong foundation laid by the seniors will fuel future success, and the junior cohort, led by Mammone, is poised to continue the upward trajectory. The program's momentum, he said, is a testament to the community's support and the players' dedication.