NCCC finishes fourth at World Series

Niagara County Community College's historical run ended with a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA Div. III World Series in Kinston, NC this past week. The Thunderwolves also set a school record with 45 wins, while making their their fourth appearance at the event.

"These guys have a lot to be proud of," NCCC head coach Matt Clingersmith said. "It's unfortunate that we weren't the hot team and couldn't seem to catch a break during the World Series, but this has been a great ride. We won a bunch of different ways and battled the whole year. This team was very special."

Game 1: Niagara CCC 3, RCGC 1

Freshman right-hander Christian Young moved to 9-0 on the season after tossing eight innings and allowing just six hits to go with 11 strikeouts against the nation's top-ranked team. Sophomore Alex Kubera earned the save with a hitless ninth inning. At the plate, freshman Joe Milkowski was 2-for-4 with an RBI, while freshman James Brnik and sophomore Brad Wroblewski added an RBI apiece.

Game 2: Northern Essex CC 6, Niagara CCC 4

With first pitch at 11 p.m. and the final out recorded at 2:30 a.m., the Thunderwolves never got going as they surrendered 13 walks and left 15 runners on base. Sophomore Michael Colosi had two hits and two RBIs, while freshman Brandon Nicholson finished with two hits, an RBI and scored three times.

Game 3: Niagara CCC 5, Century CC 2 (13 inn.)

The bullpen duo of freshmen Michael Eagler and Alex Licata threw six scoreless innings to help the T-Wolves advance. Licata earned the win as NCCC scored three runs in the top of the 13th. Colosi finished 5-for-7 with two RBIs, while Milkowski and freshman Nate Chase each added two hits.

Game 4: RCGC 9, Niagara CCC 1

The Thunderwolves mustered just four hits in the elimination defeat. Nicholson scored the lone run on a ground out by Milkowski.