What is it that makes the baseball team at St. Thomas Aquinas so good? Gavin Sansone, a senior, believes that their energy and the unexpected contributions from their freshmen are the solution. It’s always our energy, according to Sansone. “Everyone is a conduit for our energy.” We always get worked up, and our underclassmen never fail to step up when necessary. Since we have a lot of seniors, I must admit that I had no idea that we would have so many underclassmen stepping up this year.
In the high-stakes, momentum-changing NJSIAA North Non-Public B semifinal on Thursday, the Trojans defeated Gill St. Bernard’s 7-5. This contagious enthusiasm and team spirit were on full show.
The championship game between the second-seeded Trojans and No. 5 Rutgers Prep is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 2 p.m. In the other semifinal, Rutgers Prep defeated top-seeded St. Mary’s by a slim margin of 2-1 to advance.
With his 6 1/3 innings of relief in the semifinal, senior ace Sansone was key. With one on and one out in the top of the seventh inning, he reached the 110-pitch limit while giving up just one hit and four walks and striking out eight batters. Freshman Nikash Patel stood up at this crucial moment, displaying the poise and talent that have come to define the Trojans’ underclassmen.
With two outs and the bases loaded, Patel faced extreme pressure—a circumstance that would test any pitcher, let alone a rookie. To the surprise and pleasure of the STA supporters, Patel delivered despite the high stakes, allowing only a single and a walk before forcing a ground out to seal the victory.
Tom D’Agostino, the St. Thomas Aquinas coach, praised the students and the assistant coaches. “Today, we simply carried out their plan, which they had prepared. We’re not quite done yet, you know. We’re thrilled about the chance.
Coach D’Agostino also emphasized the team’s tenacity and combat experience. These guys have had some experience in combat. We’ve suffered some close losses that have put us in a precarious situation where we must win or lose. We were put to the test today, and they passed it with flying colors, so I’m really pleased of all the coaches and players in that dugout.
This season, the Trojans have been led by senior leadership and youthful enthusiasm, with freshmen stepping up when it counted most. This dynamic team, which combines new talent with experience, can handle high-pressure circumstances with poise and confidence.
St. Thomas Aquinas baseball team exemplifies tenacity and cooperation as they get ready for the last game versus Rutgers Prep. Their success has been largely attributed to their capacity to gather momentum, carry out tactical ideas, and depend on the efforts of each player.
The match on Saturday looks to be another challenge to their abilities and fortitude. The Trojans are prepared to take on the challenge and carry on with their incredible season thanks to their combined energy and the important contributions from both seniors and freshmen.
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