Spartans overpower Catawba to reach finals and continue pursuit of an NCAA Division II-record 11th championship
The University of Tampa baseball team earned its place in the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship Series with a dominant 17–2 win over No. 3 seed Catawba College on Wednesday night at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. The two‑time defending national champions improved to 49–8 and advanced to the best‑of‑three finals, where they will face top‑seeded West Chester University beginning Thursday.
The Spartans continue their chase for an NCAA Division II‑record 11th national championship and the chance to become the first program in division history to win three straight titles.
A decisive semifinal performance
After two scoreless innings, Tampa seized control with an eight‑run third inning. The Spartans capitalized on four Catawba errors, four hit batters, and a string of timely hits. Jordan Evans opened the scoring before Brayden Woodburn lined a two‑run single. Jesse Ponce later doubled in two more runs as Tampa sent 13 batters to the plate and built an 8–0 lead.
Catawba scored twice in the fourth, but Tampa answered immediately. Jhoander Irigoyen doubled home a run, and Woodburn and Jake Books added RBI singles to push the lead to 11–2. The Spartans kept adding runs through the middle innings, including a sacrifice fly from Ponce and RBI hits from Luke Fikar, Nik Pereira, and Jack Martinez. Two more runs in the eighth sealed the 17–2 victory.
Pitching sets the tone
John Luke Glanton delivered another strong postseason outing, allowing two runs on six hits over six innings to improve to 13–2. Josiah Velazquez followed with two scoreless innings, and Alex Laiche closed the ninth to finish the win.
Offensive leaders
Tampa’s lineup produced 16 hits and seven walks while taking advantage of Catawba’s four errors. Top performers included: • Brayden Woodburn: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 runs • Jhoander Irigoyen: 3-for-5, double, RBI, 2 runs • Luke Fikar: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 runs, 2 walks • Jake Books: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 runs • Jesse Ponce: double, 4 RBI • Nik Pereira: RBI, 3 runs • Jack Martinez: RBI, run • Jordan Evans: RBI
A championship matchup between Division II powers
The championship series features two of the most accomplished programs in NCAA Division II baseball. Tampa owns 10 national championships, including titles in 2024 and 2025. West Chester has won national titles in 2012 and 2017. Both teams enter the finals undefeated in the tournament.
Tampa seeks its 11th national championship, which would extend its Division II record, and aims to become the first program in history to win three consecutive titles.
Up next
Tampa faces No. 1 seed West Chester in the best‑of‑three NCAA Division II National Championship Series at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. Game one is Thursday at 6 p.m., game two is Friday at 6 p.m., and if necessary, a winner‑take‑all game three will be played Saturday. The Spartans need two wins to secure another national title.
