Season Opens with Momentum
The Upper Valley Nighthawks have opened their New England Collegiate Baseball League campaign with a 8‑7‑1 record, highlighted by an 8‑0 victory over the North Shore Navigators that showcased both their offensive firepower and pitching depth.
Sitting third in the North Division, the team boasts the second‑lowest earned‑run average in the league at 3.17, a statistic that reflects a staff that has been both reliable and adaptable early in the season.
Pitching Excellence and Managerial Vision
Manager Chase Allen, who emphasizes player development through a trial‑by‑fire philosophy, has guided the staff to experiment with situational pitching while encouraging aggressive baserunning, a strategy that has paid dividends in tight games.
Local Talent Driving the Club
Among the standout contributors are two hometown players who have quickly become fan favorites. Cameron Boardman, a Bradford, Vermont native, leads the club at the plate with a .310 average and sits third on the team in batting, while Brendan Walker, a Woodsville native, has been dominant in relief, delivering three shutout appearances without allowing a run or a hit and striking out eight batters.
Their shared history in Little League adds a narrative layer to the team’s chemistry, as both players bring a familiarity that translates into seamless on‑field coordination. The Nighthawks will test their momentum this Friday when they host the North Adams SteepleCats at 6 p.m., a matchup that could further solidify their position in the division.