NASHUA, N.H. – Top-seeded Western New England College captured its second straight Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Baseball Tournament crown with an easy 11-2 victory over second-seeded Suffolk University Sunday afternoon (April 29) at Holman Stadium.

The Golden Bears jumped to an early 8-0 lead after scoring six runs in the third inning and never looked back in earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship, which begins in three weeks.

Sophomore Jason Pizzoferrato (Windsor, CT) gave up only five hits with 10 strikeouts and a walk in his best outing of the season. 

Junior shortstop Ryan Kravontka (Glastonbury, CT) led the 17-hit attack with a pair of singles and doubles. Senior catcher Stephen Hanjack (Enfield, CT) had three hits, including two doubles and two RBI. Freshman right fielder Steve Kearney (Glastonbury, CT) also had three hits and a pair of RBI.

Senior third baseman Josh Jacobs (Essex Junction, VT) had a two-run double and scored twice. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the GNAC Tournament.

Pizzoferrato, Kravontka, and senior pitcher Eric Smolin (Westford, MA) were selected to the All-GNAC Tournament Team.

The Golden Bears, who have four games remaining in the regular season, have a 25-8 record and 12-game winning streak.

This was Western New England College's final appearance as a member of the conference. Next year the school will compete in The Commonwealth Coast Conference.