BECKLEY, W.Va. – The Falcons were highlighted by Ben Ross' two-out, three-run double in the fourth inning, but Notre Dame College's (26-26, 20-12 MEC) 2022 season comes to an end at the hands of Glenville State (32-16, 19-13 MEC) on Friday afternoon at Epling Stadium for the MEC Tournament. The Pioneers move on 9-5 over the Falcons, who despite the loss, had a season to commemorate. Notre Dame improved on their regular season win total by nine games as compared to 2021, making the MEC Tournament for the first time since 2019.
 
Glenville State scored first during the home half of the third inning with two runs on three hits. An RBI double to center field and an RBI fielder's choice did the damage for the Pioneers (2-0).
 
Notre Dame answered the bell in the top of the fourth inning with a two-out rally, grabbing the lead 4-2. After Nate Miller and Shane Mittleman drew back-to-back walks, Alec Mendoza singled to center field to load the bases. Next, Nick Farrell drew the Falcons third walk of the inning to drive in a run (2-1). After a GSU pitching change, Ross, the MEC Player of the Year, roped a bases clearing three-run double to left field to give Notre Dame the lead (4-2). The shortstop tied his own single season record from a year ago for doubles (20), while setting the new program record for RBIs in a season with 60.
 
However, the Pioneers tied the contest during the bottom of the fifth inning on a two-out, two-run single through the right side (4-4).
 
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Glenville State jumped ahead 9-4 after generating five runs on four hits. A pair of RBI singles, an RBI walk and a Falcon wild pitch allowed the runs to cross during the frame.
 
In the top of the eighth inning, Notre Dame started a rally as Mendoza drove in a run on a double to right field, pushing the score to 9-5 GSU, still with a pair of runners in scoring position. In the end, the Pioneers were able to work out of the jam and ensure the victory.
 
Alex Dicke earned the start for Notre Dame and pitched five innings for the Falcons. Dicke allowed four runs on seven hits, while striking out four batters en route to the no decision. Aaron Miller enjoyed two innings of scoreless relief as he added three punch outs and only one hit allowed.
 
On offense, Ross and Mendoza paced the team with three hits apiece, while Kyle Espineli and Nick Petrolla each tallied two base knocks. As aforementioned, Ross provided the charge for NDC with three RBIs, followed by Mendoza and N. Farrell who drove in one apiece. Lastly, Mendoza, Ross and Espineli each went for extra bases with one double apiece.
 
Head coach Len Barker and the Falcons will head into the offseason after generating their best record since 2019 and the most conference wins since 2016. Notre Dame College will be back in action for the 2023 season come February of next year.