The Champlain Valley Redhawks entered the 2026 baseball season with a clear ambition: to translate a second‑place finish in the state rankings into a deep playoff run. After a regular season that saw them drop only two games — both to the Essex Hornets — the team rode a wave of momentum into the postseason.
Key contributors such as Andrew Nunciata, Ryan Wood and Quinn Vincent stepped up when it mattered most. Nunciata delivered a stellar five‑inning outing against Rice, striking out seven while allowing just two runs, and Wood followed with a shutout inning that helped the Redhawks post a nine‑run victory. In a tense 2‑1 win over South Burlington, Riley McDade’s decisive fly opened the door for D’Marcus Riggs to score the game‑winning run.
Quarterfinal Heroics
The Redhawks’ dominance was on full display in their matchup with Burlington, where Andrew Nunciata pitched all seven innings and fanned 14 batters, while Wood went 3‑for‑4 with a single, a double and a triple. The team’s offensive firepower was further amplified by Quinn Vincent’s home run and multiple RBI singles, a performance that capped a 10‑0 rout of Rice in the Division 1 quarterfinals.
Coach Nicky Elderton praised the squad’s preparation and execution, noting that the players “showed up ready to compete” throughout the tournament. The victory over Rice highlighted the depth of the roster, with Will Myers throwing five flawless innings, striking out nine and walking none.
The journey ended in a heartbreaking fashion when the Redhawks fell to Mount Anthony in a close game that left fans wondering how a team that had “dominated” earlier could come up short. Despite the loss, the season will be remembered for its resilience, standout performances and the promise of a bright future for Champlain Valley Union High baseball.