Cougars Complete the Comeback to Capture Region 20 and Mid-Atlantic District Titles

Facing elimination not once, but twice on Championship Saturday, the Frederick Community College Cougars delivered a dominant performance in games two and three of the NJCAA Region 20 Division II Championship Series against the Anne Arundel Community College Riverhawks. With their backs against the wall, the Cougars rallied to claim the regional title and secure their place in the 2025 NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series in Enid, Oklahoma—marking the program's tenth appearance and Head Coach Rodney Bennett's seventh trip to the national stage.

In game two, the Cougars exploded offensively, pounding out 16 hits in a 13-6 statement win to even the series. Center fielder Andrew Varga led the charge, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, four runs scored, and a stolen base. Luis Perez Alfaro was equally effective, notching four hits and two RBIs, while Braydon Kelman continued his clutch postseason form with a 3-for-5 effort, including an RBI double and two runs scored. FCC broke open a tight game with a four-run fifth inning and tacked on three more in the sixth. The bullpen was steadfast, with Jordan Capuano earning the win in relief and Joseph Serafin closing the door. The victory set up a pivotal third game and gave the Cougars the momentum they needed.

After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first, the Cougars answered with a five-run outburst in the bottom of the second, highlighted by Kelman's two-RBI single and Alfaro's two-run double. From there, the Cougars never looked back. Jacob Downey crushed a solo home run in the fifth, and the offense continued to chip away, scoring in each of the final four innings. On the mound, Ethan Duff delivered a masterful seven-inning performance, allowing just one earned run while striking out seven to earn the win. Matthew Koeneke handled the final six outs to preserve the 9-3 clinching victory.

With the two victories on Saturday, Frederick claims the 2025 Region 20 and Mid-Atlantic District Championship titles and stamps their ticket to the NJCAA DII Baseball World Series. Coach Bennett adds another chapter to his career, securing his ninth regional title ('07, '08, '10, '15, '19, '21, '22, '23, and '25) and solidifying his legacy with a seventh trip to Enid. The Cougars, now 51-11, will head west and continue their quest for a national title.